THE PREP
NEWS FROM THE PREP
There is an uncomfortable sense of deja vu as I sit here summarising the position The Prep finds itself in and writing, ‘the last twelve months has been challenging and extraordinary but the future is bright and exciting’. I expressed similar sentiments 12 months ago with the hope that the Covid days were behind us. That, as we know, proved to be a very false dawn and the last year has undoubtedly been tougher than the previous one.
However despite the obstacles put in our way, The Prep had an outstanding year. Online education went from strength to strength, when necessary, but for the majority of the year we had happy children, in school, with their friends, learning. There were, of course, lots of restrictions on what activities could take place, but the talk was always of what we could do, rather than what we could not. In particularly trying circumstances the year was a great success and our Year 8s did us proud; an outstanding set of Common Entrance results was concluded with an amazing Leavers Programme. We even managed to get the Year 8 parents in (very socially distanced!) for Speech Day! Things really do look different for the coming year: assemblies, Chapel, plays, fixtures and trips will all return in person, not virtually, and ‘bubbles’ will have gone. One of the great strengths of The Prep is how the children mix with likeminded souls. Look outside and a group will be kicking a ball around, or in the DT room, another group will
be working on the e-racing kart while another group will be working together in the Library - those groups will be mixed with different years and genders - it will simply be children doing something they love, regardless of age. The Pre-Prep has had a complete refurbishment over the Summer and looks spectacular. The first brick of the new Nursery was expected to be laid in October ready for 2022-23. The Year 8s will all be participating in The Chadwick Programme in the coming year - a new leadership course, that will see every one of them challenged and giving their very best both within the school and beyond it into the local community. Numbers remain at a 15 year high and the sense of excitement is palpable for the year ahead.
Mr Tom O’Sullivan Head, Cheltenham Prep
Sport at The Prep After 12 months without trips to other schools, the return of competitive fixtures at the start of the Summer Term brought unprecedented levels of excitement. Sadly, the early weeks of the Summer Term also brought unprecedented rainfall, repeatedly forcing cancellations and disappointed children, teachers, ground staff and coach drivers. Finally, the sunshine broke through and the boys and the girls were able to grab their bats and take to the field to represent the school again. A particular highlight of the year was
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THE CHELTONIAN 2020-21
the introduction of the new girls’ cricket programme and a swimming gala with Cheltenham Ladies’ College. The latter being much needed after nearly 18 months out of the pool for many of our young swimmers. Scores were recorded in all of our sports matches however, more than ever this year, it was really all about the joy of piling onto a bus with friends and heading off to another school and playing sport. The last year has seen much disappointment with pupils not able to have their one chance to play for The Prep 1st team in hockey, rugby
or netball, with swimmers unable to compete and with our overseas tour cancelled, however the children and the coaching staff have brought boundless enthusiasm to every session on the fields. We have explored new territory with sessions in Gaelic football, girls’ rugby, boys’ netball and Aussie Rules whilst using the time to develop the children in ways we often don’t have time to work on. That being said, we look forward to the coming year and a chance to return back to ‘normality’ – especially with the return of The Prep’s outstanding match teas.
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