Dear Parents,

Our week started with a thanksgiving assembly led by Mr Stacey; encouraging our pupils to ensure that the theme of gratitude remains at the heart of our getting along key to success and happiness. My thanks to Camille and Theo for their superb solo performances.

I am thrilled to share with you some exciting updates about our innovative Compass curriculum and the incredible learning experiences your children are enjoying through our Focus Days. Year 4 were delving into the ancient world of the Egyptians, using augmented reality with the aid of the Merge Cube https://mergeedu.com/cube  to study artefacts and buildings. At the heart of our educational approach is a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who are equipped with both the knowledge and skills to navigate the world with confidence.

Our Compass curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education, guiding pupils on a journey of discovery. It goes beyond traditional subjects to integrate important life skills, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration into every aspect of learning. By offering a mix of academic and practical opportunities, we ensure that pupils are not just prepared for exams but are ready for life’s challenges. For example, Year 7 & 8 tackled the world of Dragon’s Den, by researching and creating their commercial projects and pitching to 3 dragons. We aim to inspire curiosity, ignite passion, and foster resilience in every learner. Thank you to our extremely knowledgeable dragons, Ms Baker, Dr Wotton and Mr Jaegers.

One of the key elements of the Compass curriculum are our Focus Days. These special days allow pupils to step off the regular timetable and engage in immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Year 5 were planning a trip to Mars and needed to consider the extreme elements needed for their trip beyond the space shuttle. Wednesday morning saw our Maths Day come to life with real world navigation, along with exploring the complexities of snowflake design, thank you Mrs Ritson. Mrs Nicoll’s Upper School demonstrated drama, music, dance, and team work challenge in the assembly on Friday – what a dynamic mix and celebration. Whether they are taking part in STEM challenges, outdoor environmental projects, or cultural workshops, these days give pupils the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in class to real-world contexts. This experiential learning approach deepens their understanding and makes learning more meaningful and memorable.

We believe that through this blend of structured learning and dynamic, real-world activities, our pupils are developing the skills, character, and knowledge needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to make learning both engaging and impactful for every child.

Today, Christmas arrived through the dedication and hard work of the PA, so in advance of taking part in the whole celebration, the School would like to thank Mrs Dellar and her team for their hard work in making today so special – I look forward to seeing you at the laser light display.

The final two weeks of term are tremendously busy but I hope that I have the opportunity to see many of you at the Carol Service on Thursday or either of the nativities.

Enjoy the Christmas Fair!

Best wishes

Emma Neville

Head