Dear Parents,
It seems scarcely possible that I can be writing the introduction for the end of autumn half term newsletter, it surely was only a matter of a few days ago that term began? It seems even more inconceivable that it will be November when the boys return.
This is one of the associated effects of working in such a busy school however, and it has certainly been action-packed so far! Before next half term begins, I will be presenting to the other Head teachers within the Wishford group about our STEAMED initiative and how lesson plans can be adapted to follow this principle by changing nothing more than focus and vocabulary. Next term will kick off with two-days, off-timetable, to look at technologies in the developing world - demonstrating that an innovative, problem solving approach to study is vital from a global perspective.
I have been working with the older boys in assembly to understand how developing a growth-mindset can help them to achieve their potential. As part of this, we have looked at the power of using the word ‘yet’. Linking the two concepts of a developing world and growth-mindset together, I hope the young boys of St Edward’s will grow up to offer the world a far brighter future.
Yours sincerely,
Stuart Morgan-Nash
St Edward’s was abuzz with anticipation on Wednesday 11th October; we were off to London, not to see the Queen but ‘The Lion King’ at the Lyceum Theatre! Our adventure started with brunch – sausages, beans and chips, to see us through most of the day. Arriving at the theatre, we could barely contain our excitement and quickly settled into our seats. The lights dimmed and soon, the rhythm of the African drums had transported us to the plains of Africa and the beginning of Simba’s journey. Through spectacular scenery and stage effects, along with familiar songs and lyrics we were enchanted, once again, by the story of the circle of life. It was a fantastic show and every one of us came back with a favourite moment – from Rafiki swinging back onto the stage, to Simba looking into the pool of reflection, to the incredible effects of the stampede. What a brilliant way to spend a Wednesday at school!
Mrs Andrew
The entire school celebrated ‘European Day of Languages’ on Tuesday, 26th September. The aim of the day was to get the boys speaking and sharing a variety of foreign languages. During registration, the boys were given a sticker in another language which meant ‘Speak to Me!’ and they answered their name in a foreign language of their choosing. Mr Parsons spoke Swahili, Mrs Andrew spoke Afrikaans and Xhosa and Mrs Beswetherick also spoke Afrikaans. Mr Morgan-Nash, Mrs Cottle, Mrs Arnold and Mrs Lewis spoke French. Madame Jenkins spoke Japanese and brushed up on a few more ‘hellos’ in other languages and Mrs Hunt spoke in German. We heard Hausa and Igbo, languages spoken in Nigeria; Hindi, Tamil, Danish and Russian, to name but a few.
In assembly, prep boys were divided into two giant teams in a fun ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ languages quiz. It was pretty fun and lively and the winning team were very deserving of their victory!
Pre-Reception and Reception enjoyed a German story and then sang a song in German, teaching them numbers one to ten. Some boys could amazingly point out the similarities between English and German. There was some impressive dancing too! They also labelled a large map of the world and added flags and sang a fun greetings song with Mrs James and Mrs Beswetherick.
5A and 5B got together for an authentic French breakfast, complete with French café music. They devoured croissants, with real French butter, pains au chocolat, brioche, juice and hot chocolate. There was even some healthy fruit included amongst it! Thank you very much indeed to parents who kindly brought some food. A special thank you to Ms Mai who somehow found the time to bake some delicious croissants with mini sausages!
Dr Cane-Honeysett also hosted a real French breakfast and spoke French with Year 6, which was much appreciated by all.
Mrs Daley-Franks taught her form ‘Happy Birthday’ in Welsh – we must remember that and sing it to the next birthday boys in assembly!
Year 3 enjoyed a French story time with Miss Lewis, who read ‘La Chasse à l’Ours’ (We’re Going on a Bear Hunt) and ‘La Chenille qui fait des trous’ (The Very Hungry Caterpillar). The class also managed to answer their register in eighteen different languages – who would have thought it possible?!
Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 learned a basic conversation in Spanish, which they then practised with several boys in their class. It was heart-warming to hear one boy say that he is now teaching himself Spanish at home and had signed himself up for a Spanish course. This is exactly what it’s all about – inspiring the boys to want to learn new languages and about other cultures.
A huge ‘arigatou gozaimasu/Efcharistó polý/Grazie mille’ to all involved – staff and boys – for what was a very successful European Day of Languages.
Madame Jenkins
Holiday Club
Holiday Club is open from 8am until 6pm each day, and run by members of St Edward’s staff. On offer will be a variety of different sports and fun-themed activities, including arts and crafts sessions, film club and team-building games.
The theme for October Half Term is Wizards with a focus on Harry Potter and the boys will be making potions, masks, lanterns and wands. In the Christmas holiday, boys will have the chance to make decorations and sing Christmas songs to get into the festive spirit!
The booking form for Holiday Club is now available using the following link:
During the day we will provide drinks to the children, however parents will need to provide a healthy packed lunch and snacks for the day.
The cost for a full day will be £35 per child (£30 if booked early) and £25 for half a day (8am-1pm or 1pm-6pm or 10am-3pm, £20 if booked early).
The club is only available to current pupils of St Edward’s Prep. Due to staffing ratios, numbers are limited so operate on a first-come, first-served basis. We do accept ad hoc bookings and we advise checking with the office before arriving that there is availability.
Childcare vouchers can be used to pay for Holiday Club. Please contact finance@stedwards.org.uk for more information.
After School Clubs
After school, boys can take part in a range of clubs and activities, enjoying games such as Chess and Warhammer or learning new skills including Coding, Cooking and Street Dance. There is also the opportunity to have music lessons.
Mr Smart, our fencing coach, is demonstrating fencing in a "have a go at fencing assembly" on the 27th November.
To enquire about availability in after school clubs, please contact the office.