Amongst all the whittling, sawing and fire lighting in Forest School, Years 1 and 2 took a mindful moment to appreciate the many different sights and sounds in the woods yesterday. This is part of a school-wide discussion about the uplifting effects of nature, in support of Mental Health Awareness Week this week.
16th May 2019
Last week saw the final debate in this year’s school calendar – and what a corker it was! Year 7 were contesting the motion, ‘This house believes every child should experience life in a different country’, with strong arguments put forward by both sides. Well done to all the pupils who took part and a special mention to guest speakers, Maraya and Pelayo, who spoke beautifully about their experiences as EAL pupils at Perrott Hill. “When I first arrived, my heart was thumping and I was worried I would understand nothing,” said Maraya. “Now I am in my final term and I have achieved so much. I’ve made great progress in English and, most importantly, made some amazing friends! I think anyone who has the opportunity to live in a different country should take it – it will be the best year of your life.” What lovely words.
16th May 2019
We are delighted to announce that Perrott Hill has been shortlisted for the Boarding Innovation Award at next week’s BSA (Boarding Schools’ Association) Awards. We are one of only three schools in the country to be shortlisted for this award, alongside Brighton College and Cheltenham College, so this is big news – and is testament to the excellence we offer in our boarding houses. For the full shortlist, please see below; winners are announced next week!
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· Vulnerable Children, sponsored by aba Design
· Lord Wandsworth College
· Royal Alexandra and Albert School
· Royal Hospital School
· Boarding House Extension, sponsored by Darwin Group
· Brighton College
· Giggleswick
· St Leonards
· Boarding Research, sponsored by iSAMS
· Burford
· Steyning Grammar School
· Wellington College
· Stephen Winkley Award, sponsored by RSAcademics
· Alison Bridge, Ludgrove
· Richard Foster, Windlesham
· James Shone, Monkton Combe School
· Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Tracy Shand
· Bredon School
· Lord Wandsworth College
· Ratcliffe College
· Innovation Award, sponsored by School Trunk
· Brighton College
· Cheltenham College
· Perrott Hill
· Khadija Saye Photography Award, sponsored by Tempest Photography
· Winner: Daisy Dai, Kingswood School
· Runner up: Tess Donnelly, Eastbourne College
· Runner up: Dimitri Georges, Rochester Independent College. |
3rd May 2019
Our Lower Prep pupils have been trying their hand at pinhole photography with Mrs Johnson, as part of our science and art morning for Years 3 and 4 on Saturday. As well as experiencing the dark room and learning about shutter speeds, they’ve been setting their pinhole cameras up for a range of outdoor shots (with their subjects having to stay still for 40 seconds – no mean feat for an excited group of 7-9 year olds!). In science, the children have been identifying twigs and leaves as part of their nature walk around the school before making bug hotels. Meanwhile, in the art studio they’ve been using soft print rollers and oil paints to create some stunning pieces of leaf art. It’s been a pleasure to see so many smiling faces; many thanks to Mrs Layfield and Mrs Palmer for organising such a fun and imaginative morning.
29th April 2019
Many thanks to our local MP, Marcus Fysh, who visited the school on Friday and ran a hugely interesting and informative Q&A session for our Year 7 and 8 pupils in the library. The children quizzed him on everything from climate change and congestion charges to government leadership and Brexit, with some extremely thought-provoking and intelligent questions. Many thanks, Marcus.
29th April 2019
We were delighted to have Jane Evans from Queen’s College, Taunton with us this week for our Year 8 play auditions. As well as being Director of Outreach, Jane also works in the drama department and used to run a theatre company with her husband, who is Head of Drama, so she knows a thing or two about stage production. Needless to say, we’re very excited to have her on board, along with former Queen’s pupil Georgina, who has just completed her drama degree and joined us for the auditions as well. The pupils have been working hard on their audition pieces for this summer’s production of High School Musical and are about to find out who’s playing which role. Exciting times!
29th April 2019
We are so proud of our Pre-Prep children, who treated families and friends to an impressive and incredibly joyous informal Spring Concert to end the term. We still haven’t stopped smiling! Thank you to our amazing Pre-Prep staff – Ms Williams, Ms Bresland, Mrs McCullough, Miss Fussell, Miss Becky, Miss Sarah and, of course, Mr Shortman and Mr Andrews; the children are so lucky to have such support and encouragement in their early years.
5th April 2019
Parents of children in Years 1 and 2 were invited down to a special Forest School Celebration last week to experience all of the exciting learning that goes on in our woods. As well as making swords and wooden egg cups, they showed off their fire lighting skills, before baking eggs and cheese and wild garlic scones.
5th April 2019
We are very excited to be holding our annual taster days again this summer term, where children who are interested in joining us in September are invited to come and explore our fantastic Forest School and Tinker Lab. If you’re thinking about the next stage of your child’s education and would like to receive more information about these days, please get in touch! Email admissions@perrotthill.com or call 01460 72051.
3rd April 2019
Our Year 7 pupils ended the term on a high, teaming up with the Year 3s for a special French lesson. They each spent 15 minutes teaching their Year 3 ‘buddy’ the names of animals in French, before doing a ‘beat the clock’ competition. A lovely lesson and a brilliant example of how much of a source of encouragement and inspiration our older children are to our younger children. Very well done to the winning pair, Lucy and Samuel. Madame Brooks est très fière de vous!
3rd April 2019
