A leading independent prep school in Somerset, offering excellence in education for 3-13 year olds
In the run up to Empathy Day this week, our Year 7 pupils have been studying ‘Wonder’ by R. J. Palacio. In a recent assignment, they were asked to put themselves in the shoes of one of the novel’s main characters, Jack, after he is asked to be a guide for a new pupil at his school. The new pupil, August, is ten and was born with significant facial abnormalities. Mrs Byrne was blown away by the Year 7 diary entries, including these words from Ben: “I think it is really important to say kind words and if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all because you could hurt someone’s feelings.” Great work, Year 7.
A very warm welcome back to our school community this week! There was much excitement on Monday as Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 returned to school, while our programme of remote learning continues for all other year groups at home. Meanwhile, our Year 8 Leavers’ Programme has started and we are delighted to have such an impressive range of virtual events, including lectures and workshops from Canford, Sherborne, Sherborne Girls, King’s Bruton, Taunton School, Blundell’s, Bryanston, Malvern and King’s College Taunton plus masterclasses and talks from Nessie Owen, James Shone and the James Dyson Foundation and a whole host of internal events and competitions. Finally, many thanks to former parent, Robbie Innes, for this glorious painting of the school. We look forward to getting the whole school community back together soon.
To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, pupils throughout the school spent last week reinforcing this year’s theme of ‘kind’. Year 3 carried out random acts of kindness in their homes and within their wider communities, including emails and letters for grandparents and family members (special mention to Alvin, Sam and James for their virtual musical renditions), flowers delivered to mums and neighbours and kind deeds for siblings. In doing so, the children were able to see first-hand how the little things in life can spread the biggest smiles; well done and thank you to Ms Bresland for the inspiration. Elsewhere, Amy-Charlotte and Chloe made magnets and key rings which they then posted through their neighbours’ letterboxes – and to spread further cheer, Mr Edgar asked his Year 1 class to create something that makes them happy. We love their work and are proud to be spreading kindness, all year round.
As well as our Head of Classics vacancy, we are also looking for new Graduate Residential Assistants for September to help with the day-to-day running of this busy and award-winning prep school. The successful applicant(s) will help with coaching games and PE across the school, as well as leading sessions and assisting teaching staff where required. The post holder will be heavily involved in boarding, and accommodation in the boarding houses is provided. This is a fixed term position for one year, with supportive colleagues in an exceptional school. To apply, please email your CV and a covering letter to Mr Finch on reception@perrotthill.com by Friday 29th May. Mr Finch is very happy to answer questions about the position, so do get in touch via email if you’re interested. Many thanks.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday and to honour, remember and say thank you to the WW2 generation, our Lower Prep pupils created posters of peace in PRS (Philosophy and Religious Studies) with Mrs Palmer. We love this colourful design by Arabella and wish all our families and friends peace, health and happiness at home.
Our pupils loved creating pictures of hope and thanks for NHS staff and their patients towards the end of last term, and it’s such a pleasure to see them in situ! Thank you to everyone at the Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for this lovely picture, and for everything you do. You are our heroes.
We are proud of our status as a small, family-oriented and award-winning prep school and are delighted to announce two dates for our Virtual Open Mornings taking place this term. While we know that a virtual Open Morning can never replace the real thing, we think we’ve got a compelling package to show you. This includes interviews with our pupils and staff and exclusive footage from our recent IAPS and ITN filming, where we were selected as one of only a handful of prep schools across the country to showcase the very best of what a prep school education can offer. Plus you’ll be given the opportunity to have a phone or video call with our Headmaster, Alex McCullough, if you’d like to take things further. We are holding two Virtual Open Mornings on Saturday 2nd and Saturday 9th May. For further information and to register your interest, please contact our Admissions Registrar, Camilla Bracher, on admissions@perrotthill.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
We are delighted to share our new Perrott Hill Guide to Remote Learning ahead of the start of term. “We are looking forward to embracing this new way of working together,” says Headmaster Mr McCullough. “Though we know it presents many challenges, we believe it presents many opportunities, too. The children will not miss out during this period; on the contrary, they will be learning new skills and lessons that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. We hope you will join us in our optimism for a term well spent, no matter how long or little is in or out of school.” Read the guide here.
The first week of remote learning is sailing by, and we are bowled over by the energy and enthusiasm our pupils (and staff!) have put into this new way of working. From setting up their own Forest Schools and art studios to getting stuck into sport, music and a whole range of extra-curricular activities, we are so proud of you all. Keep it up!
As we close the doors on Perrott Hill for the foreseeable future, we are reminded of what a caring and compassionate community we are part of, and how very proud we are of our school. Last week, parents and staff rallied to help each other and pupils were busy writing letters to the residents of the West Abbey Care Home in Yeovil, as well as painting pictures for their walls. “I know you are probably sad because your family can’t see you,” wrote Zac. “I really hope this will all blow away soon so they can come and visit.” “If you need any help, please do not hesitate to get in touch,” wrote Sebastian. What kind and thoughtful words from our pupils. Stay safe, everyone; we’ll be back before you know it.
