Sixth Sense

PREP

School News

FANTASTIC SPORTING SPIRIT FOR PREP TRIATHLETES

Children from Years 3 to 6 took part in our Triathlon Competition. The event encompassed running, cycling and swimming and was held across two sessions.

Thankfully, the sun came out, and the children enjoyed running and cycling the course around the School fields. The track proved to be quite tricky, and it was fantastic to see the determination of our children as they did their very best to complete this challenge.

With thanks to FTS for providing the fabulous medals for everyone who took part.

CHORISTERS MADE UP

Our two boy probationers, Archie and John, were made up as choristers and admitted fully into the choir. They have been in a period of training since last September, learning the routines, getting to know the music and developing their music theory.

During their admission at the Sunday morning service, they were given their white surplices to wear, which signifies their full admittance into the choir. They also signed the register of choristers, which every chorister has signed dating back to the late 1800s. Many congratulations to Archie and John.

BEAM HOUSE RESIDENTIAL

55 Year 5 pupils and six members of staff headed up to Beam House near Bideford for their three-day residential visit. The children took part in a wide range of activities, including surfing, abseiling, high-ropes, trapeze, rifle shooting and other team activities. We were so proud of the children, each experiencing their own individual challenges: for some, it was putting on a wetsuit for the first time; for others, it was the heights and, for some, being away from home for the first time.

KAYAKING FUN AT STITHIANS LAKE

Year 6 took turns to take to the waters at Stithians Lake this term to test out their kayaking skills. Led by an instructor from Stithians Lake Watersports Centre, the sessions taught them valuable safety lessons and ways to improve their kayaking technique.

The children were certainly kept challenged with tasks including standing on their kayaks, jumping out and swimming to ‘safety’ and fun races. It was a gloriously sunny day and everyone agreed that the session was extremely good fun and very rewarding.

CURIOSITY IN ABUNDANCE

Pupils have shown great curiosity while learning about the great outdoors. Bushcraft Club has been learning how to make a fire and to create their own roasting sticks using tools. They also got into the spirit of their woodland surroundings by wearing camouflaged clothing and painting their faces.

Whilst having fun and participating in a wide range of activities, our extra-curricular clubs allow pupils to broaden their horizons and learn new skills without academic pressures.

BLUEBELLS BLOSSOM WRITING IDEAS

As part of the work towards their John Muir Award, which aims to nurture a love and appreciation of wild places, Year 5 pupils explored the beautiful bluebell woods that line the school drive. The bluebells were out in force and a wonderful sight for anyone driving to and from school.

The pupils spent time absorbing the sights and sounds around them and jotting down ideas for a piece of writing which will be inspired by their time in the woods.

PREP

School News

A BIG YEE-HAW

Pistols were drawn, Stetsons were donned, and the audience was wowed at this year’s brilliant Year 4 play, the Great Western Recitals.

Featuring two equally impressive sections, ‘Lightning Lucy’ and ‘Peddler Polly’, the children dazzled the audience as their tales of the Wild West unfolded.

It was an emotional night for many parents as they came together to see their children on stage, performing so brilliantly, for the first time in a while.

DETERMINATION GALORE FOR COAST-TO-COAST RIDE

Year 5 took on a huge cycling challenge this term as they completed the Cornish Coast-to-Coast trail. The ride follows the route of the old tin-mining trails and encompasses all sorts of terrain. Some of the sections are along very quiet green lanes, others are on wide moorland paths or ancient bridleways.

This cycle ride is an important part of the Explore and Discover sections of the John Muir Award. The Award encourages people of all backgrounds to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places. Essentially, it is an environmental award scheme focused on wild places.

As always, we are extremely impressed with the determination and positivity with which our pupils face challenges like this. It is a pleasure to see their curiosity blossom and their confidence grow. Pupils, parents and staff gathered in the Sports Hall marquee for the Prep’s festival musical finale.

The evening was awash with courageous and creative performances, from musical solos to group vocals, with all children showcasing their diverse range of curious talents.

As the evening drew to a close, everyone joined in to sing a truly fantastic and teary musical farewell to the wonderful Miss Patterson.

PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Prep was ablaze with red, white and blue ahead of the Jubilee as our festivities took place. The School looked fantastic decked out with bunting and flags and the children were resplendent in their patriotic colours. At the end of the day, every child received a jubilee memorial coin to take home to remember the occasion.