Newsletters

Dear Parents,

It's been another busy week here at Prep school. Although only a four-day week, it certainly feels as if we have more than made up for it! 

Upper Trans were lucky enjoy to a trip to London. They started off the day at the National Gallery where we focused on the painting 'Surprised!' by Henri Rosseau. We looked in detail at the meaning behind the painting and the techniques that Rosseau used to build up the picture. We were able to use the expertise of our tour guide to help us compare the work of Rosseau to other artists, looking in detail at paintings showing natural scenes. Their tour guides were so impressed with the children's analysis of the artwork. The children then used their learning back in the classroom, on Thursday, when they stared their big art project which will be built up over a number of weeks and submitted to the National Gallery's 'Take One Picture' competition with the very exciting chance to have any winning works being displayed in the gallery alongside the incredible paintings they had the chance to see. 

In the afternoon, they travelled to the BBC Earth Experience in Earl's Court. Upper Trans were lucky enough to be the very first school children to visit the exhibition as part of a school trip. They were immersed in the natural world and saw the wonders of the seven continents. This experience combined cutting-edge technology with the narration of David Attenborough teaching the children about different biomes and environments and the crucial role we have in protecting our planet. The staff at the experience commented on how wonderfully behaved and thoughtful our children were during their visit and they have asked the children to share the promotional leaflets they have started writing in English lessons to help advertise the exhibition to other schools.

This year's May Procession was beautifully led by Lower Trans U. The children delivered a beautiful Liturgy to the whole school. Later on in the day, the flowers were delivered to our local neighbours and we received a number of messages of thanks and appreciation.

Achievements...

Mela achieved her stage 4 Learn to Swim badge.

Veeran played as part of the Europaths Under 8s team in the Adam's Park Cup at the Wycombe Wanderers Stadium. They were the 2023 winners!

Ayesha passed her Grade 1 LAMDA exam

Shrey, Anuj and Pranav  completed the Kids 1.5k Spartan Obstacles Race.

Mrs Rossiter passed her Makaton Sign Language level 3 this week - which happened during Deaf Awareness Week.

Deaf Awareness Week...

Celebrating Deaf Awareness Week, we all took time to recognise and appreciate the unique experiences of the deaf community. Early Years have been continuing to learn more sign language and day by day are becoming more confident.

During the May Procession we also used sign language to deliver the Hail Mary, with all the children making a special effort to make sure they learnt all the signs.

In Lower Trans (Y3) Mrs Rafferty delivered a P4C lesson using the "Silent Dance" performed by Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni in "Strictly Come Dancing" as the stimulus. The children were inquisitive and spoke with great respect discussing the effects of being deaf. They created some outstanding P4C questions:

           "Can you achieve good grades in school if you are deaf?"

           "Should everyone learn Sign Language?"

           "Does having a disability effect your confidence?"

           "Are the rest of your senses more heightened if one does not work?"

           "Would you rather be deaf or blind?"  

This is yet another example of how committed we are as a school to create a safe and inclusive environment where all children can thrive, regardless of their abilities.

Coronation Celebrations

Despite the inclement weather, the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed our coronation celebrations, from picnics to pin the tale on the corgi, crown-making to country-dancing and an even a visit from the ice-cream van too. It was a lovely way to start off the coronation weekend and the Headteacher's Challenge crown parade in the hall, is definitely one we will all remember!  

P.E. / Games

It has been a very busy start to the Pentecost Term with all our children in full preparation for our annual Sports Day. The children have been running, jumping, balancing, skipping and throwing, in order to get themselves to their very best for the event which takes place in June.  We have also had our children take part in striking and fielding games such as: cricket and rounders, and we have seen some outstanding performances with both bat and ball on the pitches.  We would like to encourage all children to keep up the good work and to keep practising at home as much as they can!