A leading independent prep school in Somerset, offering excellence in education for 2-13 year olds
Musicians and artists of all ages gathered at Perrott Hill for an enriching day of art and music-making.
A ‘pop-up’ community orchestra came together to celebrate the iconic music of French composer Georges Bizet, performing four vibrant movements from L’Arlésienne Suite.
These pieces, specially arranged to accommodate musicians from Grade 2 standard upwards, were a perfect showcase for the orchestra’s diverse talent and ages from 8 to 80. Thirty budding musicians from the school were joined by sixty friends and family who travelled from as far away as Shropshire! The blend of youthful energy and seasoned musicians created an exciting atmosphere.
After a short but focused rehearsal, the orchestra performed with impressive skill and gusto to their fellow pupils, friends, and family.
As the orchestra rehearsed, artwork inspired by Bizet’s music and Vincent Van Gogh was being created under the guidance of Head of Art, Tabs Palmer, and a set of beautiful painted cellos were presented at the concert.
Director of Music at Perrott Hill, Julian Shortman, said “It was wonderful to see so many gather, not only to celebrate Bizet’s work, but to share in the joy of making music and art as a community.”
Congratulations to James who has secured a prestigious 13+ sports scholarship to Canford School.
James joined Perrott Hill in Year 5 and has always been actively involved in all areas of school life. “I have been very fortunate” he said, “There’s so much you can do at Perrott Hill”.
Outside of his school commitments, James also plays hockey for the U14 Somerset County Hockey Club and cricket for North Perrott Cricket Club.
Speaking of his success, Headmaster Mr McCullough said, “James should feel rightly proud of this significant achievement and we offer him our warm congratulations.”
This week we welcomed Rachael Honeyball from A J Honeyball Racing to school to take a seat in the iconic Orange Chair.
The children gathered around a roaring fire, as Racheal read an extract from Clare Balding’s heart-warming book, ‘The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop’.
To the children’s complete delight, she then introduced Biscuit, a beautiful Shetland pony who coped coped admirably with all the attention from Years 2 to 5!
Following their class studies of rivers, Year 6 set off on an exciting field trip for some hands-on learning.
Their mission? To measure the depth, width, and velocity of the River Axe, tracing its journey from its source at Cheddington, through Mosterton, Forde Abbey, and the floodplains of Axmouth, all the way to where it meets the sea at Seaton.
“It was an absolutely amazing day,” said Mr Coverdale, Head of Geography. “The children got to witness river processes in action, and of course, they had a blast getting wet, muddy, and fully immersed in the experience.
At Perrott Hill, we celebrate the magic of books every day, but World Book Day is always memorable as children from Nursery through to Year 8 take the opportunity to celebrate their favourite book or film character.
This year, the children (and members of staff!) really excelled themselves with their creative costumes.
“This is always an important day for us,” said Head of English Mrs Byrne, “as we focus on the joy of reading.
“It supports our mission, as a department, to expose every child to positive and engaging learning experiences so that they leave Perrott Hill with a keen desire to read and write for both pleasure and study.”
We were delighted to welcome ReGenBen to school to speak to pupils, parents and friends of Perrott Hill.
Ben Taylor-Davies spoke about breaking the boundaries of farming techniques. Reducing pesticide use, improving soil health, reducing our carbon footprint, looking after the environment and producing nutrient dense high welfare food.
It was fascinating a session session with plenty of follow up questions.
You can hear Ben on Radio 4’s On your Farm speaking about regenerative farming rekindled his love of agriculture. Listen to his story: On Your Farm – Regenerating Ben – BBC Sounds
More great news just in! Saba has been awarded the prestigious Richard Hunter All-Rounder Scholarship to join Bryanston School in Year 9 in September.
This All-Rounder Scholarship is granted to students who “demonstrate the talent and personal qualities needed to make a significant and ongoing contribution to the vibrant extra-curricular life at Bryanston”.
This scholarship will see Saba actively participating in the school’s Sport, Music, Drama and Art programmes. Opportunities we know she will take full advantage of.
What a tremendous achievement. Congratulations Saba.
We were delighted to welcome former Perrott Hill parents Stephen and Annette Smallwood back to school at the end of last term.
Stephen provided a fascinating insight into the television industry when he spoke to pupils about his career as a Producer. He described the difference between film and television; explained what a Producer does and how drama gets made and supported his talk with some fantastic video clips.
His most recent work SAS Rogue Heroes is a drama about the conduct of the SAS in World War 2 during the allied invasion of Sicily and Italy. The previous series focused on the creation of the SAS in 1941 in Egypt, during the war against Italians and Germans in North Africa. Both are now available on BBC iPlayer. He also worked on The Serpent (2021) and Patrick Melrose (2018).
It was an inspiring way to end a busy half term.
This week we have received even more positive scholarship news. This time from Blundell’s.
Milly has been awarded a 13+ drama scholarship and Freddie is the recipient of the highly prestigious A V Hill Scholarship, named after the 1922 Nobel Prize winner and Old Blundellian. This is awarded to the top 13+ academic scholarship candidate.
The twins follow in the footsteps of their elder brother Henry who won a Sports Scholarship to Blundell’s in 2023.
Exceptional talent clearly runs in the family.
Book a visit with us today and discover how we can help your child thrive in an environment that fosters potential, talent, and creativity.
Congratulations to Jessica on securing a prestigious 13+ music scholarship to Taunton School.
Jessica plays an active role in music at Perrott Hill as a member of Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Orchestra, String Ensemble and La Carotte Quartet!
Speaking of her success Mr Shortman, Director of Music said, “Jessica has made tremendous progress in her viola and vocal studies in the past year.
“It was lovely sending her off for the audition knowing that if I was the Head of Music assessing her, I would be thrilled to have a musician of her calibre join my department.”
We are excited to see where Jessica’s musical journey takes her next. Stay in touch Jessica, and keep up the great work.
