Junior Reflections 27 February 2026
Dear parents,
I hope that you all had a lovely half term. It has been lovely welcoming the pupils back albeit for only three days and as always the new half term has got off to a busy start. The sun has made an appearance and even though Wednesday felt like Monday, there is a definite feel to Spring in the air.
This week began with two staff professional development days, providing valuable time for reflection on learning and teaching across the school. Colleagues explored how we can continue to refine classroom practice, share successful approaches, and ensure that every pupil is supported to achieve their best. These days also allowed important preparation for our move to one-hour lessons from September, ensuring that the transition will enhance both depth of learning and continuity across the timetable. The final speaker on Monday was OE Major Rebecca Glover, who shared her story of being part of the first all-female army team in the World’s Toughest Row. The quartet embarked on an astonishing 3000-mile journey starting from the Canary Islands and ending in Antigua. After 46 gruelling days, the team were placed 18th and the second among all-female teams. It was an absolutely inspirational story of resilience and teamwork. My thanks go to all staff who contributed by leading thoughtful and stimulating sessions.
On Wednesday, the first day back for the pupils, we kicked off with a belated pancake race. This is an annual tradition that, if you have seen our social media page, you’ll know the pupils love! Gilbert House was triumphant, but only just, and there were some very good flippers!!! I had a lovely Wednesday afternoon, with an hour spent down at the netball courts watching the Lower Two girls enjoying a triangular against St Peter’s and Blundell’s. Lots of goals were scored and some super defence as well. Indeed, this Wednesday saw every pupil in Lower and Upper Two selected to play either hockey or netball, with some teams travelling to either St Peter’s or Blundell’s for their fixtures, as well as our home matches. I then headed off for a rather relaxing afternoon listening to junior school pupils in our informal concert for the strings and piano. I am always amazed by the talent that our pupils display and what was nice was seeing so many siblings who came to support their brother or sister.
Yesterday the U10 and U11 swimmers travelled to Millfield School to compete in the regional round of the IAPS swimming competition. They performed superbly, challenging themselves against some of the top young swimmers in the country. Results to follow!
Tonight, I am off to the school quiz, with some fellow staff-members. Good luck to all the parents taking part.
Enjoy the weekend and I am very much looking forward to World Book Day next Thursday… costume ready!!!!
