The Bulletin Edition 29

It was very good to see parents of boys in Years 3, 4 and 5 on site this week at the Prep for our parent/teacher meetings with a strong academic focus. When I am not ringing the bell to keep things running more or less to time (it’s not all I do on each night but it feels, possibly disproportionately, like an important job!) I am always glad of the chance to ask parents the same simple question after they have met with their son’s teachers: “Did that all make sense?” I am relieved to hear, mostly, that it does.

I find that this question can often open the door to further conversations very much of the thoughtful kind, where we explore together the detail of a boy’s efforts and accomplishments, or we think forward to the progress we are hoping to see next term and indeed beyond. I am always up for this sort of chat about individual boys here. There are good reasons for this and the parent/teacher meetings this week gave me three very strong reminders of why such dialogue matters.

First, it allows us to share the story of each boy’s learning in a way that is rounded and honest. The formal reporting we do throughout the year is important, of course, but nothing beats a real conversation where we can clarify, reassure, explain, and sometimes challenge, all in service of helping each Hampton Prep boy do his best.

Second, these moments give parents a clearer sense of how to support their son’s academic journey at home. This is good old-fashioned common sense I realise, but when school and home work in partnership, we see the boys flourishing.

Finally, it helps us stay aligned with what parents rightly hope for from their son’s time with us: that he will be known, valued, encouraged and stretched.

Thank you to everyone who came in this week. These exchanges are never just about targets or levels or reports. They are about shared aspirations, and they remind us all why the work we are doing together really matters.

Years 3 to 6 demonstrated the usual enthusiasm and passion for their Houses in the House Swimming Gala on Monday. It was the second run at this, after rain held off the original event in September. Happily, conditions were perfect. There were some great performances, including four new records from Chuck, Luke, Adam and Oli. Another highlight was Fin swimming an incredible length in the relay to take the win from Lancaster. At the end of the event, the points were incredibly close with Tudor and Lancaster tied second, but it was York who had the extra 3 points to take the win!

This week, more of our pupils enjoyed exciting offsite educational visits. The first was Reception’s visit to Bocketts Farm, where the children deepened their understanding of farm animals and farming life. A highlight of the day was a tractor ride around the farm, offering a real taste of countryside living. Miss Johnston shares more detail about their fantastic day in her write up.

Huge excitement ensued when last Friday, the postman delivered our focus for this week – our live caterpillars! Our minibeast project had started! Our very busy caterpillar nicknamed Speedy has lived up to his name, zooming around the jar and has now reached the lid with a fellow caterpillar. We are all eagerly awaiting the formation of the chrysalids. In anticipation of this we have learned all about the lifecycle of a butterfly – do ask you children to explain it to you. This metamorphosis was of particular interest and amazement to the pupils especially when they found out that a butterfly tastes with their feet. Much hilarity and wonder!

On Monday, the Reception class had a wonderful adventure at Bockett's Farm. Their day began with a visit to the stables, where they met a gentle horse, called ‘Midnight’ and had the chance to stroke its nose. Excitement continued at the animal encounters area, where the children carefully petted a large rabbit called Hazel, two cuddly guinea pigs called Ivy and Violet, and a silky chicken. Next, they explored the farmer’s garden and discovered the herbs and vegetables being grown for the café, learning more about where their food comes from.

Year 1 thoroughly enjoyed all the excitement and activity in preparation for Sports Day! The children were keen to participate and showed themselves to be very good team players on the day. What a super occasion! Well done to all our Year 1 athletes!

It’s been another exciting week for Year 2, but the highlight was without doubt our trip to The Living Rainforest in Berkshire! We had an amazing time exploring the rainforest and spotting animals and plants that live there. Taking part in the “Edible Forest” tour, the children learnt that rainforests produce up to 80% of the world’s diet! They were able to engage as many senses as possible - through touching, smelling and seeing the wondrous fruits of the rainforest. Do ask your child to share some facts that they learnt with you!