AUTUMN 2023
FROM THE HEAD
Welcome to Newton News Roundup One of the aspects of life at Newton Prep that I love is that we never stand still or merely accept the status quo. We are always striving to give the children the very best opportunities that we can. So, this term, we had our very own ‘pop up’ swimming pool for the first half term, when we were able to target our younger children who perhaps lack confidence in the water. Then we launched our Year 2 Strings Scheme, so that every child now plays either violin, viola, or cello in one of their music lessons. And Year 7 pupils embarked on a tough ‘survival’ week in the highlands of Scotland, learning how to catch, gut and cook fish, build their own shelters, and manage without any tech! I have loved the new initiative of Upper School and Lower School coming together for assemblies (in the Sports’ Hall) to celebrate important events such as Harvest, or the end of term. I very much hope that you enjoy reading this term’s Newton News Roundup.
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
2 | Autumn 2023
“We never stand still or merely accept the status quo”
NURSERY
UPPER SCHOOL
YEARS 7 & 8
Visit to the Magical Garden
Our Library Ambassadors
8billionideas
Nursery classes had so much fun exploring the garden for the first time! The children enjoyed investigating the different plants and fruits. They even collected over 80 apples together and pretended they were ice creams to sell!
Most of our library ambassadors from last year have stayed on in the role this year, and we have four new members of the team. They really threw themselves into their roles, planning great activities including a library reading challenge based on mystery books.
Years 7 & 8 came together for for a whole day of creativity, teamwork and entrepreneurship. They worked on projects to change the world, from inception to product design and advertising. 14 groups battled it out to showcase their hard work, all demonstrating their pitch skills to the group. The instructors from 8billionideas were incredibly impressed and finding an overall group winner was a challenge.
3 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 5
Lights, Camera, Action! It was wonderful to see Year 5’s hard work and ideas take shape in front of the camera as they created their silent films. Everyone had great fun getting into costume and performing in front of the green screen. Whether filming, directing or acting, the children demonstrated admirable teamwork, style and creativity. The editing process now begins and we look forward to our ‘Film Night’ itself, which takes place later this year.
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
4 | Autumn 2023
5 | Autumn 2023
WHOLE SCHOOL
Splish, Splash! We have all been so impressed with how the children have responded to the pop-up swimming pool. The swimming teacher is so lovely and encouraging which is vitally important with children who might lack confidence in the water.
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
6 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 4
YEAR 1
YEAR 7
Problem-Solving Day
Local Walk
Sleep Out
Year 4 enjoyed a very special day of problem-solving run by The ProblemSolving Company. They had to solve a range of hands-on problems as a class, such as getting a ball around a maze and lifting bricks, without the use of their hands! They worked hard on their communication, listening and leadership skills. They learnt that the best results come from working together as a team.
Year 1 children went on an observational walk around Battersea to get to know more about our neighbourhood. They followed the route carefully and linked this to their work in class on maps. They thought about what they could see and hear in different places along the route. Then, the children compared the different locations they had visited. Each class posted a letter en route and predicted how long it would take to arrive here at school.
The Year 7 Sleep Out raised over £10,500 for Glass Door. On the night, they met a representative from the charity who told them about the work they do and how our donations make a huge difference to the lives of homeless people in our local community. Thank you to all for helping to raise the money – we are extremely grateful.
7 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 3
Egyptian Workshop The Year 3 children had a wonderful time taking part in an Egyptian Workshop. They learnt all about the festival of Wepet-Renpet, took part in a performance and feast, and did lots of different Egyptian activities such as creating Ushabtis dolls and scarab charms, as well as writing in hieroglyphics.
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
8 | Autumn 2023
9 | Autumn 2023
WHOLE SCHOOL
Harvest Festival The celebratory harvest assembly was held in the Sports Hall, with all children from Reception to Year 8. It was a real highlight of this term and it was so lovely to be together and feel that wonderful sense of community. Wandsworth Foodbank sent their sincere thanks to pupils, parents, teachers and staff at Newton Prep for their generous donations.The collection weighed in at 811.1 kg which they estimate will provide 1,931 meals for our neighbours who do not have enough money to buy their own food. Thank you to all who donated!
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
10 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 4
YEAR 3
YEARS 5 & 6
Moonlit Trees
St Paul’s Cathedral
Harry Potter Night
Year 4 wowed us with spectacular and ghostly moonlit trees using chalk and charcoal. The artists worked carefully to create spooky additions such as bats, tombstones, ghosts, cobwebs, spiders, twig hands, owls and even a face in a tree... BOO!
Year 3 children had a splendid time visiting the glorious building. They were given a guided tour and were able to explore and learn about the amazing space, before climbing the many steps to the Whispering and Stone Galleries.
Year 5 and 6 pupils had a lot of fun after school celebrating all things Harry Potter. The Hufflepuff team were the victors in the quiz; everyone left the library with a tattoo; they discovered some children can ride a broom - and others can run through brick walls! At the end of the club the children all took home some Bertie Bott beans and their very own handcrafted Harry.
11 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 2
Strings Programme The new Strings Programme started in earnest, with Year 2 pupils having a go on their chosen instruments. They were reminded of how to treat the instruments with care, and those who already learn a string instrument were super leaders in showing us excellent posture. We can’t wait to see how the classes progress in their new-found musical skills!
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
12 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 6
YEARS 3, 4 & 5
YEAR 8
Prep4Sport Tournament
Chess Assembly
Battersea Power Station
12 footballers from Year 6 made the journey to the prestigious St George’s Park football centre to take part in the annual Prep4Sport tournament. Having been placed in a tough pool the team managed to secure 2nd place and were entered into the Cup Championships the next morning. The team secured early victories before succumbing to a tough opponent, placing them in the match for 3rd place. The boys saved their best football for last and came away with a solid victory and a bronze medal!
In assembly, Mr Attenborough and Mr Dobbing spoke to children in Year 3, 4 & 5 about the benefits of playing chess. These include having fun, making friends and developing thinking skills. The children also learned about how the pieces move on a chessboard. We are hoping to play lots more chess in 2024!
The Year 8s visited Battersea Power Station, starting with an ascent up Lift 109. Pupils were tasked with identifying various landmarks and sustainable development projects. They conducted some fieldwork assessing if the redevelopment has been done in a sustainable manner. This included pupil questionnaires, environmental quality surveys and growth and decline surveys.
13 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 7
Ridgeway Adventure Year 7 pupils spent an action-packed week up in Ardmore, a remote settlement in the far northwest of Scotland. They learned to build shelters from old yacht sails, fished for mackerel and swam in the sea loch. These skills were put to use as they ventured to ‘survival island’ where they spent a night on their own under the stars with nothing but their homemade shelters and a little bit of resilience!
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
14 | Autumn 2023
15 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 5
Hilltop Adventure Centre Year 5 spent a thrilling week in Norfolk. They completed various outdoor activities such as Airjump, climbing, Giant Swing and archery. ‘Challenge by choice’ was the theme of the week, and all the children managed to achieve the goals they had set for themselves. It was a true test of resilience, and many fears were confronted and overcome.
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
16 | Autumn 2023
UPPER SCHOOL
NURSERY
UPPER SCHOOL
Wind Band Day
Drop-In Morning
Remembrance Assembly
A number of pupils were selected to attend Charterhouse’s annual Prep Schools’ Wind Band Day. This was an excellent opportunity for some of our players to experience orchestral pieces with children from other prep schools. The event culminated in a short concert where the children presented the music that they had been working on throughout the afternoon, including ‘Superman’ and ‘We Go Together’.
Nursery children enjoyed welcoming their families to their classrooms during Drop-in Morning this term. The children were so excited to show their grown ups their favourite parts of the classroom and to demonstrate their ability to recognise their names. Thank you to all the adults who came and we hoped you enjoyed having a ‘sneak peek’ into Nursery life!
Upper School children came together for a special Remembrance assembly. Once again, Mrs Fleming was struck by their maturity and emotional intelligence as they sought to show their respect for the fallen in two world wars but also an awareness of conflict in the world today. Mrs Smith held an age appropriate assembly with the Lower School children.
17 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 4
Greek Myths Year 4 presented a captivating double production of ‘Perseus and Medusa’ and ‘Theseus and the Minotaur’, transporting the audience back in time to the exciting world of Ancient Greece. The children demonstrated impressive collaboration throughout the whole process and delivered their lines with confidence and emotion.
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
18 | Autumn 2023
19 | Autumn 2023
YEARS 7 & 8
Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare Club pupils delivered a spectacular production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at the prestigious RADA Studios. They displayed impressive maturity, dedication, and creativity, and their dynamic performance was a testament to their hard work and passion. We are immensely proud of their achievements!
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
20 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 6
RECEPTION
YEAR 5
Royal Observatory
Autumn Treasures
Up, Up and Away!
Year 6 spent the day exploring the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. They took part in a workshop learning about the sun, earth and moon. Pupils also got to explore the solar system in the planetarium alongside a visit to see the Great Equatorial Telescope. The pupils had a great day and were really engaged in all the activities.
Children in Reception have been thinking about the changing seasons and learning about Autumn. Each child was encouraged to go on a nature hunt and collect ‘Autumn Treasures’ over their weekend. Throughout the following week the children talked about what they had found and used their ‘treasure’ to create some wonderful transient artwork. Can you tell what they have made?
In Computing, Year 5 have been learning to program using drones. The children learnt how to connect the drones to the iPads and how to operate drones safely. They were then set the challenge of programming the drones to take off and fly to an exact position, before landing. Children used their knowledge of estimation and measurement, alongside their coding skills to achieve success.
21 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 1
Ralph the Reindeer Year 1 children took to the stage and goodness did they light it up! Poor old Rudolph had a cold, but luckily for all, Ralph came to the rescue. The children performed with confidence and strong voices, their storytelling and singing delighting the audience from start to finish. Well done to everyone in Year 1!
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
22 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 6
NURSERY
YEAR 5
Eastbourne SING!
Parachute Play
Netball Tournament
Year 6 Senior Choir pupils headed to Eastbourne College to take part in their SING! extravaganza. They learnt five songs, including: ‘Shadowland’ from The Lion King and Frankie Valli’s ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.’ They also had a chance to explore the College’s facilities by taking part in drama, sport and science activities. The day ended with a successful performance, where our choir sang with joy and enthusiasm!
A fun morning was had by the Nursery children in the gym ‘popping popcorn’! This involved working together, flapping in unison to bounce balls on top of the giant parachute. Afterwards they bedded down for a peaceful little nap under the canopy!
The U10 netball squad played in the Thomas’ Clapham performance tournament on a rather chilly Saturday with temperatures hovering around 0 degrees! Neverthless, the team performed brilliantly with some excellent goals from Winnie, Serena and Georgia. Winnie was awarded player of the tournament not just for her excellent game play but for her sportsmanship, including her willingness to change positions to help the team. Well done to everyone who took part in a very cold and icy tournament!
23 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 2
Twas The Night Before Christmas Year 2 performed a wonderful version of this Christmas favourite for their friends and families with an abundance of fantastic acting, singing and poetry. The hours spent rehearsing for this paid off and the audience love it. Congratulations, Year 2 and a very Merry Christmouse!
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
24 | Autumn 2023
WHOLE SCHOOL
WHOLE SCHOOL
YEAR 5
Christmas Toy Drive
Music Recitals
Supersized Succulents
During December we collected toys and gifts to donate to the children at St George’s Primary School. We are incredibly lucky to be able to give back to our community and feel proud to have been a part of this. We look forward to more community projects in the future.
Upper and Lower School recitals this term showcased a range of instruments, genres and eras, from French horn and piano to guitar and voice. These events are always hugely popular and well-attended. A massive well done to all those who performed, and our heartfelt thanks go to all those who have supported the recitals.
Year 5 pupils explored the art of Georgia O’Keeffe this term. Using chalk pastels they created their own versions of her artwork. Some stunning pieces were achieved!
25 | Autumn 2023
NURSERY & RECEPTION
Christmas Songs What a merry way to end our Lower School Christmas performances with Reception followed by the Nursery children lighting up the stage! Christmas jumpers shimmered and sparkled as their voices filled the auditorium; the energy was fantastic from start to finish. The audience were toe-tapping, and bells were jingling all the way... Well done!
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
26 | Autumn 2023
YEAR 3 & 8
RECEPTION
WHOLE SCHOOL
Interhouse Netball
People Who Help Us
Christmas Lunch
Our Year 8 pupils stepped up as referees for the Year 3 Interhouse Netball Tournament. It was amazing to see the older pupils guide the younger players through the game.
Reception have been learning about the different people who help them here in school. The children thought about all those who help them everyday, even if they don’t see them. Mr Lee, Miss Nona, Miss Eve, Miss Helen and Miss Claire all visited Reception classrooms to tell the children about the different jobs they do. The children learnt the importance of working as a team and they each chose one person in the school to write a thank you letter to.
Christmas lunch on the last Wednesday of term was enjoyed by all! Christmas songs were playing, crackers pulled, jokes told and party hats adorned! The Year 8 pupils did a fabulous job of helping everybody.
27 | Autumn 2023
UPPER SCHOOL
Festival of Carols On the penultimate day of term the whole of Upper School went to Holy Trinity Sloane Square for the Festival of Carols. The children all contributed beautifully. The Training Choir’s performance was simply breathtaking, the readers all delivered their story telling or poems with great confidence, the children carried candles sensibly (and without incident!) and everyone in the audience joined in the carol singing with gusto. It was a wonderful way to mark the end of term and celebrate the holiday season!
Newton News Round Up |
Spring Term 2022-23
28 | Autumn 2023
Listen to the service on YouTube
29 | Autumn 2023
K E Y DAT ES 2 0 2 3 - 2 4
9 th January
Spring Term Begins
12 th - 16 th February
Half Term
28 th March
Spring Term Ends
22 nd April
Summer Term Begins
27 th - 31 st May
Half Term
4 th July
Summer Term Ends
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