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st edward's Newsletter December 2017

Dear Parents,

Perspective is very much what makes my job as enjoyable as it is. As I approach my third, and final, Christmas at St Edward’s Prep I am immensely proud of the tangible progress all the boys have made over my time here. The confidence shown by everyone in the Pre-Prep Nativity was exceptional – especially as we had boys who are just three years old taking part this year. The quality of the singing and individual performances in our Carol Service was equally outstanding - both of these occurred because of the dedication by the pupils and hard work of all the staff.

We have buried our time capsule for prosperity, enjoyed looking at Technology in the Developing World as part of our STEAMED week and visited the Corn Exchange to see a Pantomime. Next term, Years 3 and 4 will prepare and perform their end of term production, we will play lots of rugby and dress up for World Book Day, plus our theme for STEAMED is Formula 1 – I can’t wait!

Before all of this, it is important that everyone has a rest and recovers from this busy and successful term. So I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a relaxing New Year.

See you in 2018!

With best wishes,

Stuart Morgan-Nash

STEAMED Autumn 2017

I have to say this was our best STEAMED yet! The focus was technology from the developing world and the boys learnt about how developing countries use renewable energy to solve everyday problems. Pupils created wind turbines, tested how solar panels worked, built hydro powered turbines and carried out numerous investigations using renewable energy in the classroom. This was only half of it as the boys also learnt about the 'Re-use Culture' in developing countries. The boys used their technical skills to build rubber band powered toy cars, boats and planes from plastic bottles; some used their green fingers to create some creative and funky plant pots and others designed and made clocks from recycled materials. However, it was the Year 6s that stole the show with the creation of some amazing pallet furniture. A huge well done to all the boys, they did themselves proud on this one!

Mr Parsons.

The two Olivers, Rujul, and Vashisht, representing Year 5 at St Edward’s Prep took part in the annual Pangbourne College Maths Challenge. They faced stiff opposition from many Prep and Primary schools, but ultimately finished a very close second to Moulsford Prep by only four points. The boys competed in several tasks, ranging from a practical tower building competition to quick-fire calculations in a relay style event. Throughout it all, the boys acquitted themselves brilliantly and set about the challenge with a definite game-plan. They thoroughly deserved their finishing position and were in with a chance of overall victory until the very end. Well done boys! Mr Morgan-Nash.
Boys with reflective badges for their bags
Pre-Prep Nativity

‘A Miracle in Town’ It was standing room only on Thursday morning when the Pre-Prep boys took to the stage to perform A Miracle in Town, our 2017 nativity. It opened with the song ‘We’re going to tell you a story.’ It was the story of the very first Christmas. We heard that Jesus, the Son of God, was born in Bethlehem, in a stable under a star – a wonderful miracle that would change the world forever.

Everyone agreed that the boys were amazing and in fine voice. It is the first time that Pre-Reception have been involved in the nativity and they confidently played their roles alongside their fellow actors in Reception and Year 1, all led ably through the Christmas story by the Year 2 narrators – looking very smart in their shirts and ties. Super shepherds, cheeky innkeepers, regal kings and angelic angels alike performed catchy songs and delivered lines that resulted in a chorus of ‘ahs’, a wave of giggles and a more than occasional tear in the audience. Thank you very much to everyone who came to watch the production and congratulations to all of the children and staff for putting on such a wonderful show.

Mrs Swift.

Mr Smart brought in some medieval swords and equipment to teach the boys in Fencing Club about medieval combat for their end of term session. He taught the boys about the different sized swords, where they originated from and how each was used differently. It was interesting to hear how the different styles combine today to form the modern sport of fencing. The boys got a chance to practise using (much lighter) versions and I, for one, learnt many things about this fascinating subject that I didn’t already know. I can’t wait for the next one! Mr Morgan-Nash.
Carol Service

The St Edward’s Prep Carol Service is always one of the highlights of the year – this year proved to be one of the best ever!

For the very first time, boys as young as three contributed towards the festive spectacle. There were carols sung by both Pre-Prep and Prep Choirs, as well as those sung in year groups. Oliver got the congregation in the mood with his piano solo of Silent Night. Swiftly afterwards, Manaswith opened the carols with his amazing solo first verse of Once in Royal David’s City, followed by brilliant singing from the school choir.

Fresh from their superb Nativity play, Oliver, Atharva, Rayen and Thomas melted hearts with their version of Away in a Manger, backed up by the rest of Pre-Prep. Year 3 showed that they have really made progress this term in learning to play the recorder as they entertained with Jingle Bells, ably supported by Isaac with Joshua and Atharva on guitar.

Mwangi and Baichen played the violin superbly, and Oliver and Jacob proved more than a match for Aled Jones with their version of Walking in the Air (he didn’t play the piano at the same time!).

George, Isaac, James and Nathan showed why choosing the opening soloist was so difficult for Mrs Hagyard as they sang a powerful solo part in the Year 5 and 6 carol and the service came to a moving close with the final carol, Now Light 1000 Christmas Lights.

Congratulations to all the boys for putting on such a wonderful performance, especially to those who read from the Bible in between the musical pieces: Isaac, Thomas, Oliver, Max and Om.

Mr Morgan-Nash.

Seasons greetings to everyone! We hope you have a lovely time over the Christmas holiday. See you back at school on the 8th January.

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