Year 5

Year 5 REPORT

WORDS BY Mr Dominic Affleck, Head of Year 5

Year 5 have had a very successful year. The transition from Year 4 and the addition of many new boys meant that an action packed year was promised. The new boys settled in quickly thanks to the friendliness of the year group and the four new classes soon got used to their new environments and all that Year 5 and a new sense of independence entails.

Early in the Autumn Term, a superb day here at school engaging in team building activities meant that the tutors (Mr Roberts, Mrs Rossington, Mrs Aldridge and Mrs Russell) got a real opportunity to bond with their tutees, and of course for the boys themselves to form new friendships and perhaps rekindle older ones. Under the guidance of Mrs Russell the boys enjoyed a range of activities from fire-lighting to team building games.

The boys soon settled to life in Year 5 and we were struck by how quickly they acclimatised. Independence is our buzzword and we really encouraged the boys to pack their own bags, use their lockers and remember where they were meant to be at any given time. With the added bonus of long trousers and blazers, we were delighted to see how quickly they merged to life in senior part of the Prep School.

The Autumn Term flashed by. Rugby fixtures across the breadth of the country, music concerts and the usual wide range of extra-curricular activities. The boys were understandably tired by Christmas.

The Spring Term was fairly miserable weather wise, but the boys persevered, playing hockey and football and gearing up for their first set of school assessments. For many, this was the first time having to do this, so they were a little nervous. Thankfully doing these tests in their own form rooms does help to alleviate the stress just a little although for some their first exam in the EMH was a highlight!

The Summer Term soon brightened and sparkling warm weather completed the academic year. The sound of willow on leather, summer concerts, athletics, swimming and a fantastic day with the girls from BGS were particular highlights. It was a great event and we really enjoyed a range of fantastic activities with the girls at both our school and theirs. An annual event which the boys love and we are delighted to resume this after Covid.

We have enjoyed this fine crop of Year 5 boys and are confident that they will go onto great things. We wish them every success as they move onto the dizzy heights of Year 6.