The Millstone 2025

Headmaster’s Introduction

As Independent Education has adapted to the changing political and economic landscape this year, we have been busy ensuring that our parents and families continue to understand the true benefit of an education that inspires at St Piran’s.

Over the past year we have shaped our curriculum from Nursery to Year 6 around the principles of nature enshrined within the Harmony Project. Pupils and staff have benefitted from not just learning about, but learning from, nature. At a time when we urgently need to change the way we think, act and live in relation to the wider world, our Harmony curriculum, applied and adapted specifically to our school, provides a fresh and exciting approach to how we learn. The children are now beginning to make those connections between their learning across all subjects, with the element of nature sitting behind everything that we are doing.

Our staff and pupils have contributed to this year’s edition of The Millstone magazine which shines a light on the many learning experiences for our pupils, equipping them with skills and memories to carry with them into the next phase of their lives.

As I come to the end of my sixth year at the helm at St Piran’s, there is much we can look back on with pride and this magazine provides a snapshot of this year’s success which I hope you will enjoy.

Sebastian Sales Headmaster

Our Head Boy and Girl

Over to this year’s Head Boy, Thomas, and Head Girl, Imogen, to sum up their final year at St Piran’s.

T: Our school motto is ‘inspire confidence’ and as the whole of St Piran’s has been reflecting on what has inspired them at the end of the year, we thought that we would dig a little bit deeper and share how the school has inspired us. We have been reminiscing aplenty and we hope that you enjoy hearing our trip down memory lane.

I: As my cousin, Georgie, and I, approach our final days at St Piran’s, my mind is taken back to where it all began. My older brother, Archie, was already here in Year 2, and with my cousins Izzy and Freddie in Years 3 and 2, the time had arrived for Georgie and me to descend upon St Piran’s and make our mark. With so many of our family here already, we settled in very quickly.

Although it all felt very big, unusual and different, we got used to our new surroundings easily, inspired by the kind teachers who helped us on that first day and beyond. Perhaps less inspiring, on that first day, was my first experience of a game of tag. My enthusiasm couldn’t be faulted but it also turned out to be my downfall as when I frantically tried to avoid being ‘tagged’, I seemed to lose my footing and ended up running into a wall – with no hands out. However, I remained unscathed – amazingly – not even requiring a trip to Matron.

to think of my favourite sport, but my sport of choice has to be cricket. I started learning the intricacies of cricket when I was in Year 3 and as time has moved on, my passion and confidence has just kept growing.

I loved playing in the IAPS tournament, not just because of the draw of the challenge but it was wonderful to see how our team really bonded together through the ups and downs and highs and lows. We cheer every wicket and run together and always support each other. That’s what sport is all about. It’s always great when sport weaves its way into trips and excursions and our residentials are the perfect example: we never stay still!

My first residential in Year 4 was wholly inspiring and left me keen and well prepared for the next adventure of that kind in Year 5. Mill on the Brue itself was lots of fun but very, very wet! I loved sleeping away from home with my friends, having lots of fun… even if some of us got stuck on the zipline! We went orienteering, we did lots of team activities, and we had lots of toasted marshmallows!! The rain was less inspiring but as we say it was ‘character

Before I knew it, I was making friends and making the most of all the wonderful opportunities those teachers provided in our first year. The splash days were the best! It’s amazing to think how much we have grown up since those times of playing around in water, splashing each other and climbing on and off inflatables.

Maybe we haven’t grown up as much as we think we have… especially when I think back to recently when at Battisborough House I was learning to surf. Even then I seemed to spend more time in the water than on the board but I wasn’t alone and before you knew it I was tackling waves, grabbing that board and going for it. I can’t wait to practise over the summer.

T: For me, inspiring confidence always makes me think about my time on the sports field, from Reception all the way through to Year 6. With such inspiring teachers as Mr Smith and in fact all the games department, it is hard

building’ and the immense amount of team activities and delights of toasted marshmallows kept us very inspired indeed. One of the most special things about my time at St Piran’s is the friends I have made and who I have grown closer to on our residentials. The friends I made in Reception are still some of my best friends today, and some of us will be going on to secondary school together.

I: This set us up for the next residential, which involved a longer stay away from home at Osmington Bay in Dorset so although there was an even wider variety of activities, there was greater potential for more nerves. However, I needn’t have been so worried and my confidence rose with each and every challenge and activity. As I swung through the air on the giant swing, nerves were far from my mind and I was so proud of my self-belief that had been there all along.

T: Within an inspiring school come inspiring teachers and I hope that both Immy and I and our fellow Year 6s are as lucky in our next school.

I: It is incredibly hard to pick out some of our most inspiring moments with our teachers but we will share with you some of our most cherished.

With my increasing ambition to move into becoming a technical director for F1 engineering, I look back at Miss Americanos’s fun and interesting science lessons and can’t help feeling that that is where a lot of my inspiration to join F1 has come from. Being a Science Leader has been very rewarding and I hope that I do develop a career in that sector – Miss Americanos, if it happens, you can come to my first race!

T: All those who have taught me DT over the years have inspired my love of this subject and in particular, cooking. I loved learning how to cook crepes and I still make them for my family at the weekends; I even make them for friends when I go on sleepovers! I also really enjoyed vinyl printing and was very proud of my Tango and Mango cat print bag.

I: Inspired by Mrs Robertson and Mrs Holmes’ football coaching, their motivation helped us hugely in getting to the IAPS national finals. I didn’t mind waking early to make the morning football club and I have always enjoyed playing football at lunchtime with my friends. I am so proud of being part of the huge development of St Piran’s girls’ football over the years and wish the boys’ and girls’ teams coming up every success.

T: Mrs Bailey has inspired me to push myself further, especially in maths and after-school clubs. I love her teaching style; I have never had a boring lesson but we still learn a lot. Also…I love the special treats we get in her class (shh… don’t tell the other classes!)

I: From playing a shepherd called ‘David’ to taking on the role of a nurse in Robin Hood and the Sherwood Hoodies, my confidence in drama has risen year-on-year. I have had so much fun and I was so pleased when Miss Galloso encouraged me to take part in her drama club. Since that time I have taken LAMDA exams and loved played Rafiki in the Lion King. Looking to the future,

I am really keen to carry this on at Borlase. Lessons are so inspiring especially when we were learning about the trenches in WW1 and what life was like for all during WW2 – we have always been left fascinated.

We wish the next Head Boy and Head Girl all the best as they take on these very cherished roles.

T: And a last thank you to Mr Sales; thank you for inspiring such confidence in us as we have navigated being St Piran’s Head Boy and Head Girl this year. We have learnt a lot and when times have been challenging, you have encouraged us to be brave enough to take risks, and be proud when we succeed.

Leadership

MEET THIS YEAR’S YEAR 6 LEADERS, ALL AWARDED A POSITION OF RESPONSIBILITY SUITED TO THEIR OWN SKILLS AND INTERESTS, AND HELPING TO BUILD A STRONG TEAM OF ROLE MODELS FOR OUR YOUNGER PUPILS.

HEAD BOY

Thomas Broadbent

PREFECTS (BOYS)

Fred Goldstone

Lucas Alcraft

Samuel Privey

Charlie Turner

Charlie Woodward

BOYS’ SPORT CAPTAINS

Fred Goldstone

Max Fielder

Ethan Rider

Teddy Truman

BOYS’ SWIM CAPTAINS

James Gallagher

Evan Jones

HEAD GIRL

Imogen Wann

PREFECTS (GIRLS)

Poppy Hoyle

Sienna Sandal

Olivia Capel

Beatrice Parker

Svea Baker

GIRLS’ SPORT CAPTAINS

Elin Bergman Bailey

Georgie Fuggle

Anya Zaman

Olivia O’Flynn

GIRLS’ SWIM CAPTAINS

Grace Bretherton

Freya Nicholson

PEER MENTORS

Poppy Hoyle

Izzy Ridges

Aariya Gogna

Beatrice Parker

Georgie Fuggle

Hattie Holloway

Freya Wright

ABC LEADERS

Austen Kidd

Olivia Capel

Remy Galloso-Marsham

OUTDOOR LEARNING LEADERS

Oliver Clutterbuck

Joshua Cleale-Pickup

Finn Law

James Spotswood

Anya Zaman

Charlie Turner

DIVERSITY LEADERS

Wilf Palmer

Henry Elliott

Poppy Hoyle

ECO COUNCIL LEADERS

Lucas Alcraft

Jesse Ball

Tomos Petersen

LEARNING COUNCIL LEADERS

George Farmer

Adam Iqbal

Charlie Turner

SAFETY COUNCIL LEADERS

Georgie Fuggle

Oliver Clutterbuck

Harry Stephen

WELLBEING COUNCIL LEADERS

Finn Law

Valerie Ng Darcey Wilson

EAST CLAN LEADERS

Freya Nicholson

Evan Jones

Emily Macdonald

James Gallagher

NORTH CLAN LEADERS

Ethan Rider

Grace Bretherton

Joshua Cleale-Pickup

Lucas Alcraft

SOUTH CLAN LEADERS

Charlie Woodward

Arian Kalra

Immy Wann

Edward Hicks

WEST CLAN LEADERS

Eloy Marra

Aariya Gogna

Aarit Patel

Austen Kidd

DIGITAL LEADERS

Izzy Ridges

Ed Vaughan

Panos Makris

Teddy Truman

Henry Elliott

Darcey Wilson

Sam Privey

Wilf Palmer

ART LEADERS

Tomos Petersen

Lily Huttary

Aradhya Aggarwal

Edward Hicks

Valerie Ng

DT LEADERS

Freya Wright

Svea Baker

Arian Kalra

Sam Smith

Harry Stephen

GEOGRAPHY LEADERS

Fred Goldstone

Jesse Ball

LANGUAGE LEADERS

Sam Smith

Thomas Broadbent

ENGLISH LEADERS

Thomas Broadbent

Aradhya Aggarwal

MATHS LEADERS

Panos Makris

Adam Iqbal

Charlie Woodward

SCIENCE LEADERS

Edward Vaughan

Sam Privey

Immy Wann

Olivia Capel

Hattie Holloway

Holly Duncan

HISTORY LEADERS

George Farmer

Elin Bergman Bailey

Beatrice Parker

Aarit Patel

DRAMA LEADERS

Svea Baker

Remy Galloso-Marsham

Sienna Sandal

Olivia O’Flynn

Emily Macdonald

Eloy Marra Bayraktar

Holly Duncan

Lemon Zebra Photography

Photo:

Christmas Term

Flying Forties Memorial Event

Year 6 began the year with a special focused event on the lives of two past pupils who served in World War Two and died serving in the RAF. As the nephews of these brave pilots, Sir Ian Macfadyen and Lord Michael Featherstone Briggs gave moving tributes during a special memorial service also attended by the Lord Lieutenant and Mayor in our Chapel. Pupils and staff embraced the Flying Forties theme, dressing up in costumes of the time or their Cub and Brownie uniforms, for a special whole school event.

Back in class, Year 6 were able to immerse themselves in the topic on ‘What would life be

Thomas, our 2024-5 Head Boy, was delighted to meet Thomas Meinl, the Head Boy from 1949… 75 years apart!

Life Skills

Year 6 Life Skills Week was a terrific opportunity for our oldest pupils to learn about key areas to support them as they grow into young adults. They received financial training, learned about health and safety, healthy eating, fresh water swimming, orienteering and even how to make an emergency phone call.

Coasting down to Osmington

Year 5’s Harmony curriculum, based around the theme of water this term, included the residential trip to Osmington Bay, where not only did we take part in lots of fun activities on site, we also took a wander along the coastline to take in the sights of the landforms we study in the classroom. In addition to this, from their learning on water and the journeys which water takes, Year 5 created their very own versions of an Indus Valley Settlement in 3D model form, a written description or through Minecraft worlds, including the advanced drainage and sewage systems from over four thousand years ago!

We loved Ozzy Bay because, even though it rained a lot, we all had a fabulous time there!

There was a really big swing, that only a few people had a chance to have a go on, because, some of us were soaking from the laser tag fight, and were drying and warming up!

The food was lovely, because we all got a chance to pick what we wanted, from a large amount of food. It was also fun because we got to chat and tell each other about all the fun activities we had been doing.

The dormitories were cosy, having two bunk-beds, and one bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink, that you had to share with your room mates. They were also nice because you felt safe, being next to the teachers’ dorms. You also felt well looked after because all the people in your dormitories were friendly to you and supported you if you got home-sick. There were lots of activities to enjoy like; Laser tag arena, Giant swing, Climbing wall and a Zip line. We also had a fun trip to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, which we all enjoyed, to study the geographic features.

In summary, we all had a wonderful time with our friends and teachers!

Dexter Douglas, Rose Mallalue & Lottie

Dix (5M)

Mrs Bambridge

First term in Early Years

The Christmas Term in Early Years was filled with exploration, creativity and celebration, guided by the principles of the Harmony curriculum.

Children developed a deep appreciation for the natural world by observing seasonal changes and engaging with autumnal themes. They learned about health and sustainability through hands-on experiences like harvesting vegetables from the school garden and using them in cooking activities, which also supported their maths learning. Cultural diversity was embraced through the Early Years Event, where children celebrated Diwali, Bonfire Night, and Durga Pujo with activities such as clay lamp making and dancing to Indian music. Fire safety and the excitement of fireworks were explored in connection with the memorable St Piran’s bonfire night, helping children make real connections.

As the festive season approached, the Early Years Department came alive with joy amid many Christmas celebrations. Throughout the term, children developed their sense of identity and independence through activities like self-portraits, oral health lessons, and early life-saving skills in Pre-School and Reception’s ‘Sit, Chop, Chew’ and Mini First Aid sessions. The term was a wonderful blend of learning, discovery, and festive cheer, laying a strong foundation for the children’s educational journey and creating lasting memories for families and staff alike.

Tools and pumpkins!

Wow!

Exploring colour

Outdoor exploring

Toasting

marshmallows

Snow!

Harvest goodies with Chef Azdin

‘Sit, Chop, Chew’

Terrific Topics

Year 3 immersed themselves in the rainforest, integrating their topic into every subject as well as extending learning with an amazing trip to The Living Rainforest. In November, the Romans took over the school for the day, as Year 3 dressed up in fabulous Roman costumes and tried to escape Boudicca’s advancing army.

Year 4 focused on the Harmony principles of interdependence and diversity, exploring these through their work on the Anglo-Saxons and Mountains; they played an Anglo-Saxon invasion game learning about Angles, Saxons and Jutes, their important roles and how they had to form alliances despite their differences. The children loved showing off their handmade helmet masks, farm pictures and diary entries as an Anglo-Saxon child, as well as performing several songs

For Year 2’s topic of Adaptation the children learned about London, with a historical focus experiencing The Great Fire of London through a fantastic hands-on day with History off the Page as well as designing, making and burning down their own Tudor Houses. The children learned about how buildings have changed over time and compared this with modern day London landmarks.

Kicking off their ‘Dinosaur’ topic with a visit from The Travelling Natural History Museum, Year 1 learned all about different types of dinosaurs and how they lived long ago. They loved meeting Reggie Rex to conclude the day and he even demonstrated his amazing football skills!

Four-pawed friends

Following the wonderful success of our therapy dog, Bailey, who has brought so much happiness and support to many of our pupils, we realised there was a growing demand for more time with a canine friend. That’s why we’ve been delighted to welcome Willow, a dedicated school dog belonging to Mrs Saunders, to spend time with even more children across the school, bringing them positive and comforting moments.

Bailey Willow

Rob, and his therapy dog, Bailey, joined the school in September and the impact of their presence on children and staff was instantaneous. Providing 1:1 support, primarily for those who struggle to verbalise their concerns and feelings, Bailey has been generous with his time, and is more than happy to greet other children, staff and parents at a time when he is not scheduled in the Wellbeing Room. We are delighted by the support and guidance we have received from Alice at PAWS CIC, who coordinate this therapy.

Thinking of all

We held an animal mufti day to belatedly celebrate ‘The Great British Bark Off’ in honour of Underdog International. In addition to being able to wear mufti for a donation, we repeated our pet collection donations initiative. This formed a neat parallel with our Harvest Festival celebrations and giving to others. Once again, our families excelled and provided enough food and toiletry donations to be distributed amongst Clara Court, One Can Trust and Maidenhead Foodshare.

We continue to remember our kin during Remembrance and Children in Need, also with collections to raise money. Our last day of term is always reserved for a special Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Save the Children.

Aware that we already call upon our families to make donations at various times of the year, we are mindful that a sensitive balance needs to be achieved. To that end we celebrated World Mental Health Day but instead of asking for donations so soon after the previous events, we asked pupils and staff to wear a yellow accessory, symbolic of showing an understanding of the struggles and challenges negative mental health can bring to others.

Our Wellbeing Council launched our Friendship Week with an idea to spread kindness across the school. Pupils received raffle tickets from staff for demonstrating our three core values of Respect, Kindness and Inclusion. Year group boxes were stored outside the dining room and, during Celebration Assembly, councillors pulled a ticket from each box and the winner won 10 minutes of golden time for their class. There were huge whoops of joy as the names were announced!

Continuing our links with local care home, Clara Court, our Chapel Choir visited to bring the residents some festive cheer with a sing-a-long just before the term came to a close.

Twinkling Tales and Magical Music

Season’s Greetings!

A highlight of the season was Santa’s visit to the enchanting Christmas Grotto, where children shared their Christmas wishes with him, creating cherished memories they’ll treasure for years to come. Christmas lunch was a joyful occasion, with children sharing laughs as they donned festive hats, exchanged crackers, and enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by our dedicated catering team. And it wouldn’t be Christmas without discos and parties run by the inimitable Mr Barker!

Our staff love a Christmas jumper!

Easter Term

An Early Years Easter

This term in Nursery, Pre-School and Reception has been filled with storytelling, exploration, and celebration.

In line with our ‘Tell Me a Story’ theme, Reception and Pre-School visited Maidenhead Library, where they learned about fiction, non-fiction and how to borrow books. World Book Day was a joyful occasion, with children dressing as favourite characters or in pyjamas and parents joining us to read stories. A highlight was a captivating space talk by a Pre-School parent, sparking a wave of space-themed learning. Reception children also explored the importance of family through our ‘My Super World’ theme, sharing stories and creating heartfelt family portraits. Meanwhile, Pre-School celebrated Lunar New Year with Mrs Wu, enjoying dragon dancing and festive traditions, and all Early Years children took part in Easter and Ramadan celebrations.

Reception World Book Day

Easter baking

Outdoor walk

Putting on a show Great giggles!

Outdoor playtime

Pancake making in the woods

Outdoor learning thrived this term, with Woodland sessions offering sensory-rich experiences. Reception children honed their listening and coordination skills through blindfold walks, mirror sky walks, and pancake-making over a firepit. Pre-School children became budding naturalists, hunting for bugs, building a wormery, and crafting bird feeders, while Nursery enjoyed nature walks around the school. Sustainability was a key focus, with visits from the Eco Council and the Recycling Robot, and Reception explored endangered animals and the role of bees in our ecosystem. Special moments included Mother’s Day celebrations with breakfast and afternoon tea, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and an exciting Easter Egg Hunt. The term ended on a high with a visit from the travelling farm, giving children a hands-on experience with animals and rounding off a vibrant and enriching term.

Ducklings

Meeting the Easter bunny

The farm!

Noodle tasting

Experiments

Superheroes

Rocket fruit kebabs

Mr Potatohead superheroes

Science and Investigation

The many practical activities and investigations undertaken this year show our pupils’ fantastic curiosity and enthusiasm for science.

Our Year 6 Science Leaders helped judge over 50 imaginative entries in the “Design Your Own Species” competition judged with the visiting head of science from Reading Blue Coat School and celebrating creativity and scientific thinking.

Year 2 had a thrilling trip to Winchester Science Centre, exploring aerodynamics and constellations. Year 4 wowed us with their creative space projects – from raps to models – answering, “Can you tell us something about space we don’t already know?” These were proudly displayed in a vibrant ‘Space Showcase’. They also took a trip to Science Oxford exploring some hands-on exhibits.

Year 1’s visit from ‘Berkshire Birds of Prey’ gave the children an opportunity to hold a bird and learn an array of fascinating facts. They loved being scientists and observing the weather and even performed their own weather reports to the class as news reporters.

During British Science Week, pupils designed planets, invented fruits, planned gardens, and planted seeds, learning about biodiversity as the school bloomed. In the labs, we watched tadpoles grow into frogs and nurtured flowers and fruits.

Into the warmer months, Year 5 attended STEAMFest at Leighton Park, tackling real-world challenges like building storm-proof shelters, designing aid rafts, and creating clean water systems – an inspiring afternoon of teamwork and global thinking.

Miss Americanos, Head of Science

Clan competitive spirit!

Our Clan Leaders took centre stage for St Piran’s Day and the much-awaited annual Millstone Race on a chilly March morning. While Pre-School and Nursery children participated in their own competition in Tippet Hall, our Governors joined the initial morning assembly and provided gentle marshalling for each Clan down on the all-weather pitch. Following a very close race, it was South Clan who captured the Millstone Trophy. A first victory in over a decade!

Black and white clothing was the order of the day as we celebrated Saint Piran, and the special cakes were a welcome treat at breaktime for everyone!

Musically, Middle and Upper School children took part in the Clan Music Competition later in March where we welcomed Mr Seth Miall, director of performing arts at Sir William Borlase, as our adjudicator. The children gave some very accomplished performances and Mr Miall was extremely complimentary of both the children’s attitude and overall standard. A huge congratulations to Middle School winner, Roman Globus and Upper School winner, Valerie Ng.

Alumni reunions

The week we celebrated St Piran’s Day in March also marked our first Alumni Chapel Service, where Andrew Blumer (Headmaster from 1982 to 1999) took the sermon and reminisced about his time at St Piran’s. Into the Summer Term, we invited back some past pupils for a special lunch, and last year’s Year 6 leavers for a game of rounders, a chance to catch up and, of course, an obligatory match tea!

A magic carpet ride…

Year 3 flew us away to the land of the Arabian nights and showed us that they can do “Amazing Things” with their spell-binding performance of “A-la-la-la-la-laddin”. The lamp in the cave of wonders may have been dusty, but the children truly shone on stage and wowed the audiences. The singing was particularly impressive, with some beautiful soloists and each class led a dazzling dance. Well done to Year 3 and all the staff who worked so hard to make the magic come alive!

Miss Whittaker, Head of Year 3

Off to see the Wizard!

There’s no place like… being in Year 4 as we worked on our production of The Wizard of Oz! All the children were wonderful, embracing all the acting, singing and dancing with gusto and should be extremely proud of themselves for the amazing performances they delivered.

Mrs Blackwell, Head of Year 4

Here’s what Year 4 thought about being in The Wizard of Oz!

“The munchkins were cute, the mice/citizens were cheeky and clever, the winged monkeys soared through the air, the witches were WICKED, Dorothy and her friends raced down the yellow brick road, the Wizard of Oz ruled the land fearlessly, and we couldn’t have done it without our teachers.”

Ekrit

“I adored being the Wicked Witch of the West, bringing the evilness out of the role. It was inspiring to work as a team and make it an amazing play.”

Lily

“Being on stage is scary and nerve-wrecking but also really fun. It made me feel good when I said a funny line and the audience laughed.”

Fleur

“I loved every part of it including the opportunity to defy gravity and the ride over the rainbow!”

Vivian

FROM SOUTH AFRICA:

St John’s D.S.G. is delighted to welcome two exchange students from St Piran’s School in England! Darcey Wilson and Grace Bretherton (both Grade 6) arrived at school this morning after a fun-filled weekend settling in with their host families.

Over the next two weeks, they’ll be fully immersed in school life – joining lessons, activities, and even sports if they choose. Hosting them are our Grade 6 girls, Georgia McLeary and Loveday Newell, who will head off on their own exchange adventure next term to St Piran’s.

We’re also so excited to have St Piran’s teachers, Mrs Jackie Richmond and Mrs Camilla Earp, joining us. It’s been a pleasure getting to know them, and we look forward to the exciting weeks ahead.

South Africa exchange

The sense of giving and community that defines our school has carried over into far away shores, away from St Piran’s. In the Easter Term and holidays, Mrs Earp and Mrs Richmond had the privilege of travelling to South Africa on our Year 6 exchange with 2 pupils, Grace and Darcey.

A stunning country and a warm welcome from all! The girls had an amazing, fun-filled trip.

A country of contrasts, the tours into the township and charity schools were a humbling experience for our staff. Observing children with ‘nothing’, who appreciate ‘everything’, is something we have brought back to St Piran’s and we endeavour to educate others about what is really important.

FROM ST PIRAN’S:

There is clear excitement from the team as our twelfth South African exchange departs tonight! Lots of planning and hard work behind the scenes, in two countries, have led to this moment. We can’t wait to hear all about it.

We look forward to welcoming Georgia and Loveday back here to the UK along with their teacher, Miss Sam Evans, in the coming weeks and showing them around St Piran’s!

Aside from our exchange, two Year 6 pupils, Emily and Svea, raised money and took themselves with their mothers to South Africa to volunteer in an orphanage and they too were impacted by the great contrasts in social living and circumstance.

Our exchange with our South African school partners continues to be a wonderful and unforgettable experience for everyone involved!

Summer Term

Toby (5T)

Marchants Hill

Year 4 began the Summer Term in style on a sunny residential trip to Marchants Hill in Surrey where they enjoyed abseiling, giant paddle boarding and team-building challenges. For many children, the Year 4 trip is their first taste of staying away from home and despite some excitable nerves beforehand, they embraced every opportunity to build their confidence and resilience with plenty of smiles!

Eco Explorers

Giant paddle boarding

Abseiling

Puzzles

Giant swing

Archery

Blindfolded obstacle course

“

On the bus, it took us an hour and a half to get to Marchants Hill. We were all very excited. When we arrived, we all had biscuits, and the teachers took a picture of us all. Then we sat under our dorm building and the teachers told us who we were sharing a dorm with. It was so exciting! Then we went to see our dorms and they were very nice. Then we put our things in little cubby holes and put our duvet / sleeping bags on our decided bunk beds. After, we had lunch and it was really yummy. Then we headed back to do other activities, after that we went back to our dorms and had a shower if we needed to. Then we relaxed in our dorms for a bit. Then we had dinner. We headed to the big field to do some challenges. The one that we liked the most was whoever’s group made the longest line made of jumpers, socks, shoes and people. Also, we had a challenge that we had to cover up a water balloon with loads of fabric, cardboard and other materials. Then we dropped it from very high and most of them popped! It was very fun. After we went back to our dorms and went to bed.

Amelie Todd and Aarya Johnson

“

Days to remember

From wartime Britain to the wonders of ancient civilizations, this term has been a rich tapestry of learning and celebration – one that brought history to life in the most engaging and memorable ways.

Picnic blankets carpeted our field as we tucked into an outdoor lunch in celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Children arrived dressed in a colourful array of WW2-themed and Commonwealth-inspired outfits, alongside uniforms from Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Rainbows, and Brownies and we were treated to special VE Day cupcakes with icing and sprinkles at breaktime.

In the classroom, Year 4 travelled back to Ancient Greece, exploring the Harmony principles of oneness and adaptation. Their learning came to life during Greek Day, where they competed in their own version of the Olympic Games, crafted traditional Greek crowns, and cooked delicious spanakopita with the help of one of our talented chefs.

Meanwhile, Year 5 stepped into the world of Ancient Egypt during their themed day. Through hands-on activities and historical exploration, they discovered what life was really like for those living along the Nile thousands of years ago.

The Great Outdoors at Battisborough!

Year 6 headed for the much-anticipated residential week at Battisborough House in Devon to enjoy developing bonding time and leadership skills in an atmosphere of adventure. Accompanied by our dedicated staff, the children make lasting memories and cement lifelong friendships on their last prep school residential trip as well as ensuring a week of fun!

Great weather provided the backdrop to visits to Mothecombe Beach, Babbacombe Model Village, Kents Cavern as well as opportunities to try surfing, axe-throwing and to sing around the campfire!

Seeds, bees and trees

Lower School had a vibrant and nature-filled Summer Term, exploring the wonders of the outdoors through hands-on learning. Year 1 kicked things off with a trip to Windsor Great Park, where they explored the Forest School area, hunted for bugs, identified seeds and trees, and learned about plant parts and pollinators through a fun meadow session and an engaging pollinators game. Back at school, they planted sweet peas to care for at home and brightened the grounds with wildflowers.

Meanwhile, Year 2 deepened their understanding of bees with a visit to Kew Gardens, where they marvelled at the 17-metre tall ‘Hive’ and connected their literacy and topic work on pollination, bee conservation, and honey cake recipes. They also created hexagonal bee fact books and followed an orienteering trail around school. Their trip was enriched by the company of our St Piran’s gardener, James Girdler, who shared fascinating insights throughout the day, making this trip a truly buzzing success.

Summer time splash!

Pre-School classes completed a sunflower project, combining science and art, whilst Nursery children grew herbs, strawberries, and beans before eating them and experimenting with them in playdough recipes. The annual Farms2Ewe visit allowed Pre-school and Nursery children to learn about animal care through hands-on experiences and Reception’s trip to Braywick Nature Centre gave our children many opportunities to explore the outdoors, such as making herb-based ‘smelly cocktails’, going on sensory walks, pond dipping, and a minibeast safari. Dads were invited in for special Father’s Day breakfasts and afternoon teas while Splash Day offered a fun-filled morning, as children brought in water toys and pools for some playful fun in the sun! End of year events included a minibeast-themed party and ice-cream station for Nursery and Pre-School, followed by a minibeast-themed celebration presentation for Pre-School and Reception featuring Gary the Grasshopper and Beth the Bee!

Takeover Day!

As part of the Summer Ball auction prizes last year some of the children spent the day helping Mr Sales and stepping in for the Senior Leadership Team to run the school. Mr Robinson, Mrs Earp, Mrs Richmond, Mrs Saunders, Mr Harle and Mrs Bailey stood aside to allow Kehsar, Samar, Maya and Annabelle (all 5E), together with Aisling (5M) and Millie (5T) the chance to join meetings, observe lessons and carry out a range of duties in school.

The sun was shining brightly as our new SLT posed with Mr Sales in front of the main school before beginning their Friday duties. They helped with Celebration Assembly, covered break duties and joined Reception children for a learning tour. They even had their lunch in the staff dining room!

Meanwhile Barney (4E) and Florence (2T) helped Mr Barker and Mr Dale with their jobs in the Alix Burnage Centre and Lottie (5M) and Evelyn (5E) got to grips with groundsman duties and loved being busy outdoors with Mr Girdler.

BURSAR FOR THE DAY

What a fantastic day we had for our Senior Leadership Team Experience Day! This year, Annabelle stepped into the important role of Bursar for the Day and she did a brilliant job - she authorised many pay rises!

Annabelle’s day was packed with exciting tasks. She began with a uniform inspection then Annabelle ordered some health and safety signs and we did a Health and Safety walkaround of the school alongside Mr Scaldwell. We then headed to the school kitchens, where

she filmed a fun video with Stelios while he was making an amazing cake.

Throughout the day, Annabelle gained insight into key areas of school leadership, including Health and Safety, Finance, Marketing, and HR. She even helped write a professional letter to the Finance Department, asking the Society to consider funding for next year’s SLT Experience Day. The aim is to purchase a smart leather document wallet for the next participant – something they can use in the future and treasure as a keepsake of their experience.

We enjoyed a delicious birthday cake at the end of a very busy day!

PASTORAL SLT FOR THE DAY

We started the day by helping in assembly by giving out awards.

Then we walked down to Early Years and handed out some more achievement awards to the small children, we then did a learning inspection in Year 1, 2, 3 and 4. Everyone was engaged and they were kind to each other, they showed inclusion and respect to their classmates and teachers by sharing their pencils and resources, they listened well to their teachers.

We learnt about Bailey and Rob whilst filming an interview. We also learned about the hard duties of being Deputy Head! Mrs Earp is the best!

This is what we think we could do to help wellbeing in the school –we could have more reading corners in classrooms.

WE HAD THE BEST DAY EVER!

Kehsar and Aisling

HEAD OF EARLY YEARS FOR THE DAY

First we went to celebration assembly and then we handed out the certificates and then we went over to Nursery and Reception and gave out their certificate and then we did an inspection of the school and then we checked everybody was being good.

We did some IT with Reception where we played with them and they said they were playing Gruffalo and snakes and then we read a story and they talked about Lamborghinis and Ferraris because apparently they love them and Porsches. And we ate lots of biscuits.

Pride of Lions

We are incredibly proud of our Year 6 students, who lit up the stage with their dazzling performance of The Lion King Jr. From powerful acting and heartfelt singing to vibrant costumes, imaginative choreography, and impressive technical theatre, the production was a roaring triumph. It was a joyful celebration of creativity, collaboration, and determination – a truly memorable farewell that honoured their journey through primary school. A huge bravo to everyone who made it possible!

Miss Galloso

OUR AUDIENCE REVIEWS

“Fittingly, the upper field had been turned by the Berkshire sun into a golden savannah, welcoming the audience to the Tippet Pride Lands. The explosion of ‘Circle of Life’ at the start of the show is breath-taking, filling the stage with colour and the hall with the sounds of Africa… Our Year 6 will soon be leaving the pride to begin new adventures, but with this performance they showed us that for now, they are all kings of St Piran’s. Bravo!”

Mr Baker

“The costumes, the masks, the staging, the choreography, the music – everything was just impeccable and came together beautifully. Truly remarkable. The best yet.”

Mrs Sandal

“Well, we all absolutely could feel the love tonight. And the excitement, creativity and effort that went into this fabulous production. From the brilliant singing to the confident acting, from the inspired costumes to the creative sets and with some great comic moments, the whole show was the best Year 6 production we’ve ever seen.”

Mrs Wann

Adventureman flies in to Speech Day!

FRIDAY 11TH JULY 2025

This year, we were honoured to welcome Mr Jamie McDonald, also known as Adventureman, as our guest speaker. Jamie is a Guinness World Record holder, extreme adventurer, and best-selling author, renowned for his incredible endurance challenges and inspiring fundraising efforts. His story of resilience, determination, and adventure was truly uplifting for pupils and parents alike. We celebrated a fantastic year in Upper School and waved a fond farewell to our Year 6 leavers, sending them off on the next phase of their journey with bags of happy memories of their time at St Piran’s.

Leavers’ Destinations

This year’s leavers headed off to their different senior schools with the greatest number of scholarships ever awarded –a total of 27 scholarships which is something to celebrate!

Faiths and Reflections

This year, RE has embraced the School’s Harmony Elements and Principles. Links are made when the children consider the principles wearing RE lenses and they have the opportunity to become familiar with stories and beliefs from major world religions. The aim has been to help children make sense of the world around them and consider how they relate to it.

Mrs Holmes-Garrad, Head of RE

The Year 1 children have been learning about Sikhism. They know that Guru Nanak founded the religion and understand how special the Sikh’s Holy Book is. They learnt about and made a Chaur Sahib which is waved over the Guru Granth Sahib as a sign of respect.

Acting out stories is a wonderful way to recall the themes, morals and teachings from faiths. Year 2 know the story of the Good Samaritan and how the simple but powerful rule in life to BE KIND can impact in a positive way in our community and beyond.

It is always a highlight for Year 6 to visit St Mary’s Church for ‘Christmas Unwrapped’ and ‘Easter Cracked’ where the children learn about Advent and Holy Week for Christians. The pupils had a ‘cracking’ time looking at the Easter story and events leading up to it which Christians follow during Holy Week.

They were able to watch what happens at a Baptism ceremony and taste bread and grape juice similar to that at communion; hence widening their knowledge of two key ceremonies important to Christians. There were lots of very thoughtful questions asked by the children which were answered by the enthusiastic team at St Mary’s Church.

Year 3 designed their own stained glass windows while learning about the Holy Trinity. Beatrice Graham in 3M designed a cross floating in the water to symbolise Jesus as the Son of God. In the middle of the cross, a dove burning in fire represents the Holy Spirit. The water that the cross is floating on also represents the Holy Spirit. There is a hand holding the earth at the top to represent God, the King of the Earth. There are a row of Angels floating above the water. She describes the shape with three sides like three parts of the Holy Trinity.

Year 5 began the academic year following the Harmony Principle of Water. This was a great opportunity to look at the symbolic value of water for world faiths as well as personal reflections.

Harrison Kohlmann 4T

During the Summer Term, Year 4 considered what Humanists believe and what motivates them to lead a good life.

Year 6 looked at the Harmony Principles of Oneness and Adaptation during the Christmas and Easter Terms. Part of their study focused on the inspirational short life of Anne Frank as well as considering how religious scientists and explorers have adapted their worship and practice in the Antarctic.

Beatrice Graham 3M

Aisling Blick 5M

Panos Makris 6M

Aradhya Aggarwal 6E

MICROSOFT USA VISIT US!

Showcasing Technology at St Piran’s

The Digital Leaders have been extremely busy this year ensuring our School is well equipped in IT as well as welcoming numerous visitors into our school and showcasing what we do at St Piran’s.

We were thrilled to host six guests from Microsoft Education, USA, during their visit to the UK. They were amazed by the IT skills and innovative learning taking place at school, praising the exceptional abilities of our pupils. The excitement and inspiration they gained from this experience will undoubtedly resonate with their software engineers and teams, sparking the development of even more groundbreaking educational tools. Our Year 6 Digital Leaders took centre stage, enthusiastically demonstrating their passion for technology. They showcased their expertise with tools like OneNote, Reading Progress, Reading Coach, Reflect, and Minecraft, leaving a lasting impression on our visitors.

They used AI to create their own wonderful robots to inspire the children and remind them how to stay safe when using devices.

“The Microsoft Education team thoroughly enjoyed our visit to St Piran’s in January, where our product team was able to observe the incredible innovation happening in education. This includes what educators, students and staff have been doing and the journey that your Showcase School has been on. The students clearly expressed the passion for what they were working on and our team was impressed by the work and projects we observed. Many of the product team members shared with me that the St Piran’s visit was the highlight of their entire week in the UK!”

Mike Tholfsen, Microsoft Education Team

Henry Elliot

OUR DIGITAL LEADERS 2024-2025

2M Nimrat Khosa and Harry Mackenzie

2E Maisie Begg and Hugo Osbaldeston

2T Jasper Alderman and Masha Krylova

3M Deetya Chheda and Hudson Ridgers

3E Misha Colton and Darwin Lam

3T Oscar Clifford and Aurelia Lawrence

4M Aria Dhillon and Rafferty Rivlin

4E Xander Forbes and Maya Lawrie

4T Matilda Harry and Bruce Lawrence

5M Emma Purcell and Zachary Woodland

5E Cillian Shears and Joshua Van Driessche

5T Emma Davies and Henna Sandhu

6M Izzy Ridges, Ed Vaughan and Henry Elliott

6E Panos Makris and Teddy Truman

6T Darcey Wilson, Sam Privey and Wilf Palmer

When we (the digital leaders) got to meet 6 people from Microsoft including someone from Canada, Serbia and the man who created OneNote: Mike, who also gave us super rare purple OneNote capes. I also got to show them the school from a tech point of view. We also got to show them things like Minecraft Education, MagicSchool, Cospaces, Powerpoint and Canva.

We waited for ages but finally it came to the Showcase and I was doing the micro bit, my favourite. When they arrived, I was happy coding my micro bit while learning Java Script then someone came up to me and she was super impressed that I was learning Java Script at 10. I felt very proud - we were there for forty five minutes but it felt like seconds. It was such a fun day! Thanks for

MAGIC AND MINECRAFT

Pupils met with the design and education teams from Magic School AI to share their delights and advantages of using Magic School AI and to suggest further improvements and the functions to be added. The children made a big push for some super safety ideas.

We have met with the Senior Program Manager at Minecraft, Leylah Bulman, and the children have been given access to Minecraft programs in their beta form, to be able to test and give their feedback and we were delighted to announce they are now Minecraft Student Ambassadors!

DIGITAL SHOWCASE DAY

To round off their wonderful year, our leaders were tour guides to 30 different schools such as Piper’s Corner, Lambrook, Shiplake College, Holme Grange and Queen Anne’s who visited us on our Digital Showcase Day. They showcased how we use IT in the school and were amazing ambassadors who received outstanding feedback from the delegates.

They thought the creative lessons the teachers are planning were inspired and the children’s natural talent for the subject is evident.

They were in awe of our Digital Leaders and their understanding of the IT world and also how to keep themselves safe online. Here is a quote from one of the delegates:

“It was an absolute privilege to attend and to see first-hand the extraordinary work that is taking place across St Piran’s… The progress you have made – from leadership vision to staff engagement, and most importantly, to the confidence, creativity, and skill of your students – was genuinely inspiring… As someone who works extensively in digital strategy, I found my visit both hugely encouraging and thought-provoking. You have struck that delicate balance between innovation and meaningful pedagogy – using digital tools not for their own sake, but in ways that truly enhance learning.

What you have achieved at St Piran’s is sector-leading, and will no doubt serve as inspiration for many schools – myself included – as we continue to reflect on how best to prepare our students for the world they are growing into.”

Andy Dax, Head of Digital Learning, Queen Anne’s School

We met with Book Creator, Canva and Adobe – pupils advise each team on what they could improve or add to their platforms to make them even more child friendly. In each case the children feel their ideas are valued and heard, and that they have means to contact the companies to share their ideas. St Piran’s has gone global!

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

Our first budding photographers were thrilled with our newly purchased Canon 4000D DSLR cameras, kindly purchased by our Society for which they were hugely grateful. Our children have been so inspiring, particularly loving taking photographs of nature but tasked with a new challenge every week. Their skills have come on considerably and now most are creating their own Photography Portfolios and some have even entered the Berkshire Photography Competiton (BBOWT). They have also dabbled in Adobe Lightroom, editing their photographs to enhance them and change them to the style of their choice. We can’t wait to see the progress next year.

I have really loved photography club. I have specifically enjoyed going to Paris and taking pictures of nature in Monet’s garden. My favourite things to take pictures of are flowers and insects.

Lily Huttary 6T

This year in photography I have enjoyed exploring a range of unique and biodiverse plants around our lovely school, St Piran’s and each shot capturing a range of emotions that really brings out every single photo’s character and personality.

Leyla Ajmal 5T

CODING OUT OF THIS WORLD

Five of our coders had their code and images broadcast by the International Space Station at different points across the globe. Our Upper School pupils were also joined by Year 5 pupils from Furze Platt Junior School and supported by 30 volunteers linked to the UK and European Space Agencies, for an immersive Moon Camp Day. Supported by the volunteers from ViaSat, the children used STEM skills to create their own moon bases and had an exciting visit and talk from astronaut, Dr Meganne Christian.

Love of languages

What a fantastic year it’s been for languages across the school!

In Lower School French, the Freshwater Theatre Company brought fairy tales to life with magical performances of Jack et le Haricot Magique and Le Petit Chaperon Rouge; the children loved joining in and becoming part of the story.

Older pupils explored a wide range of topics, ending the year with a cinematic treat! As part of the UK French Festival of Film, we watched Drôles d’Oiseaux and Calamity, sparking great discussions and cultural curiosity.

Our youngest learners in Reception sang about fruits and shared their favourites in French, while Year 1 explored family vocabulary through catchy songs. Year 2 got creative with numbers, colours, weather, and even gave opinions on sports and hobbies!

Years 3 and 4 dived into the topic ‘la famille’ and practised ordering food – perfect prep for real-life café conversations. Year 5 brought the Vikings to life in French, describing their own Viking characters and performing songs at their ‘Great Works’ showcase.

Eleonora 5T

Fred

Charlie 5M

Alongside French, Year 6 chose to sample German, Spanish, Italian, or Latin with our brilliant team – Mme Pow, Ms Gresham, Mrs Sales, and Mr Robinson. In Latin, they even invented Harry Potter-style spells using Latin roots!

Spanish Club was a huge hit again this year. Mme Pow and her enthusiastic linguists wowed us with an assembly full of songs, conversations, and holiday-ready phrases like ordering ice cream and drinks – just in time for summer! Children from Years 1–4 performed with confidence and flair.

¡Enhorabuena a todos!

International Day was a highlight and across school we encouraged an immersion in the cultures and colours of other countries through a nonuniform day. Year 2 spent the day learning about Mexico. They spoke Spanish, created some Mexican artwork and followed a recipe to make guacamole.

From fairy tales to films, Vikings to verbs, and songs to spells –it’s been a vibrant, joyful year of language learning. Bravo to all our brilliant linguists!

Miss Hawkins, Head of MFL

Tutor Point and TLC

Tutor Point has had a dynamic and impactful year, supporting individual pupils while embedding inclusive practices across the school. The team’s wealth of experience has enabled timely, tailored support, with visible improvements in pupil confidence and engagement. Across classrooms, children are now using a range of tools – such as stability chairs, wobble cushions, and standing desks – to help them access learning more effectively. It’s been a joy to see pupils moving confidently through the school, equipped with the strategies they need to thrive.

We’ve continued to strengthen our partnerships with families and staff through regular “Tea and Talk” sessions and initiatives to help staff to share ideas and adopt new strategies, leading to more creative and responsive teaching. The Literacy Gold programme is now fully embedded and making a real difference in literacy outcomes. A standout moment this year was Neurodiversity Week, where pupils confidently shared their stories and celebrated differences. The week was launched by our brilliant Diversity and Inclusion Leaders – Poppy, Henry, and Wilf – who led a whole-school assembly and introduced a creative competition. Entries ranged from posters and poems to t-shirts and models, showcasing the school’s deep understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity.

The Tailored Learning Centre has continued to support both SEND and GAT pupils through targeted interventions, professional input, and staff development. Training on sensory processing and neurodivergence has helped staff adapt their teaching, while interventions like Lego Therapy, Sensory Circuits, and Emotional Check-ins have improved focus and wellbeing.

The SEND register continues to grow, with external professionals supporting EHCP applications and providing valuable guidance. Meanwhile, the GAT programme has evolved with clearer pathways, new enrichment opportunities, and a structured feedback process to ensure every child is challenged and supported appropriately.

Mrs Saunders and Ms Williams

Joint SENDCos

Being a D & I Leader is a huge honour and one of which we are all very proud and for very different reasons. We are delighted and very grateful to the Society for their help in enabling us to research and buy a wide variety of books so that each year group has their own ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ library. We have such a diverse school and we really felt that there needed to be more representation in the choices we have to read. We hope that next year’s leaders will make this even bigger!

We are also very proud of ourselves for being brave and delivering an assembly in ‘Neurodiversity Week’ sharing our own experiences. The competition we launched was a great success and we were blown away by how creative our school is – all our minds think differently and what a wonderful thing that is!

A word from our Diversity and Inclusion Leaders – Poppy, Henry and Wilf

Art and Design

PLANTS AND NATURE

In the Easter Term, the Year 1 children enjoyed learning about Plants and Nature. They observed and painted garden birds, using watercolour in the style of the artist, Matt Sewell.

The children looked at the shapes and colours of Kandinsky’s work to inspire abstract tree designs.

They enjoyed reading about ‘The Busy Fox’ and created mixed media responses using collage and oil pastel.

SEASIDE

As part of their Seaside topic, Year 1 practised drawing lighthouses. They used watercolour paints and masking tape to create colourful backgrounds and used a variety of different papers to make the sea and rocks and decorate their lighthouses. They also created fantastic seagull collages.

Zara 1M

Ashton 1M

Evelyn 1T

Jack 1T

Riya 1M

Rian 1T

Logan 1M

Harold 1T

Bronwen 1T

Year 2

In the Christmas Term, Year 2 explored a rich variety of mixed media techniques inspired by their class topics. While learning about their local area, the children created stunning Monet-inspired artworks of Maidenhead Bridge, using chalk pastels, paint, oil pastels and collage to capture light, reflection and atmosphere. They also produced bold collage London buses, combining drawing and textured materials in response to their transport topic. For Remembrance Day, the children reflected sensitively through their poppy field compositions, layering oil pastels, paint and collage to create moving and expressive artwork.

Spring brought a burst of colour and creativity to Year 2’s art lessons. Inspired by “Here We Are” by Oliver Jeffers, the children explored collage, ink, and paint pens to create imaginative space-themed Earth artworks. They also enjoyed working with clay to craft charming Easter chick pinch pots, developing their sculpting skills. Brush control and colour blending were refined through delicate watercolour paintings of tulips. Later in the term, the children turned to bold colours and repetition, painting vibrant pop art fruit inspired by the work of Andy Warhol.

In the summer, Year 2 explored nature through a variety of expressive and thoughtful art projects. As part of their learning about the environment, the children created beautiful bee-inspired artworks using printing, observational drawing and pattern. With a focus on layering and colour blending, these pieces aimed to raise awareness about the importance of saving bees. They also produced vibrant cactus artworks linked to their class topic, blending paint and oil pastels with great skill. Finally, the children studied Vincent van Gogh and created striking sunflower paintings inspired by his expressive style.

Yara 2E

Jacob 2M

Liam 2E

Rory 2E

Ellie 2T

Hugo 2E

Tommy 2M

Maisie 2E

Nico 2M

Isla 2E

Sasha 2E

Ellie 2M

Year 3 pupils were inspired by Henri Rousseau’s ‘Surprised’ painting and created their own tiger ink paintings. They learned how to blend and mix colours and to contrast their animals by creating a bright, colourful collaged background.

They learned how to mix and blend chalk pastels to produce beautiful rainforest animal drawings.

In the second half of the Christmas Term, pupils had the wonderful opportunity of working with mosaic artist, Liz Tiranti, to design and make their own mosaic tiles.

Pupils worked hard on designing and making jewellery inspired by their learning about the Stone Age. They also created Stonehenge collages, developing their understanding about tonal painting and silhouette art.

To reinforce their learning in their topic lessons, pupils created a variety of art pieces based on the theme of ‘Extreme Earth’. These included their own Hokusai ‘Great Wave’ paintings and paper mâché volcano artworks.

Pupils learned about the illustrations of Jackie Morris from ‘The Lost Words’ and replicated the artist’s work to create their own delicate plant and animal paintings. They used gouache paints and gold acrylic for the background.

Children also created eye-catching Gisueppe Arcimboldo fruit and vegetable portraits as part of their learning about Healthy Eating.

Year 3

Lottie 3E

Misha 3E

Bea 3T

Hamd 3E

Chester 3M

Henry 3E

Ruairi 3T

Tom 3E

Elaine 3E

Year 4

The children created Anglo-Saxon masks using a variety of card, metallic pastels and papers. They proudly wore these in their Great Works showcase presented to parents at the end of term.

In the second half of the Christmas Term, pupils studied the abstract landscapes of Vincent Van Gogh. They used bright coloured paints and oil pastels to replicate the lively brush marks associated with the artist’s work.

During the Easter Term, the children explored themes of Space to create imaginative space landscapes using chalk pastels. They also enjoyed making clay luminaires constructing the shape and cutting out star details. Once fired, the children used pretty glazes to decorate their luminaires.

Ancient Greece was the theme in the first half of the Summer Term and pupils spent time looking at Greek architecture, drawing columns and statues. They completed the year, creating fun zebra oil mixed media portraits and Kente cloth collages.

Ottilie 4E

Penny 4T

Findlay 4T

Roman 4T

Ekrit 4T

Aria 4M

Arwel 4T

Vivian 4T

Roshni 4M

Lily 4T

Gabe 4E

Fleur 4T

Amelie 4M

Year 5

The Year 5 children spent the Christmas Term creating artwork in response to the work of Courtney Mattison, who creates powerful 3D sculptures inspired by climate change and coral reefs. The children made coral drawings and paintings and 3D abstract sculptures.

Food was the theme of the Easter Term and Year 5 practised their drawing skills, making observational drawings of liquorice allsorts and cakes and studied the work of Wayne Thiebaud and Emma Dibben.

The children visited Kew Gardens to visit the Marianne North Gallery and enjoyed an art workshop where they made observational sketches and learned about plants and colour. They enjoyed the opportunity to create a clay dish using natural plants and materials to impress details.

Henna 5T

Cillian 5E

Elia 5T

Constance 5T

Leo 5T

Ayla 5T Summer 5E

Sophia 5T

Eleonora 5T

Year 6

In the Christmas Term, Year 6 enhanced their learning about WW2 by recreating the Coventry cathedral prints and drawings of John Piper. They painted poppies using acrylics and made 3D clay poppy stakes which were displayed around school as part of Remembrance.

During the spring, Year 6 visited Roche Court in Salisbury to learn about sculpture. They made oil pastel tonal drawings of mannequins and abstract sculptures out of wood, string, tape and pipe cleaners.

Eloy 6M

Holly 6M

Georgie 6M

Olivia 6M

Lucas 6M

Austen 6M

Elin 6M

Design Technology

It’s been a wonderfully busy and creative year in Upper School DT, filled with hands-on learning, imaginative projects, and growing confidence across all year groups.

Year 5 kicked off the year by drawing inspiration from nature to design and make hanging thermometers in Resistant Materials. In textiles, their creativity shone through in the form of colourful and quirky felt monsters, where they embraced the full design process, including hand sewing techniques. As the year progressed, their confidence in using hand tools and machinery grew significantly.

Year 6 took on more advanced challenges, designing and constructing vibrant Bug Hotels and stylish personalised tote bags. They used 2D design software and Tinkercad to bring their ideas to life, even incorporating 3D printing into their projects. Their research in the woodland garden helped inform their designs, blending creativity with environmental awareness. A highlight of the year was their visit to Shiplake for a DT workshop, where they mastered the laser cutter, heat-bent acrylic to make phone stands, and programmed micro:bits in a CAD studio session. Back at school, their “wooden wildlife” creations – a duck, two chickens, and a hedgehog –now proudly decorate the school grounds. In the kitchen, they learned about food hygiene, safe working practices, and the importance of a balanced diet. They prepared a variety of sweet and savoury

dishes and enjoyed evaluating their creations using sensory vocabulary. In graphics, they designed and produced eye-catching notebook covers using repeat patterns, showcasing their growing design skills.

DT and Woodwork Clubs were a hive of activity throughout the year. Pupils created clocks, toy cars, candle holders, pom-pom wreaths, and festive decorations, developing both technical skills and creative confidence.

A special mention goes to Arian (6E), who represented St Piran’s at the IAPS District Cookery Competition at The Beacon School. He was a fantastic ambassador for the school, impressing judges with a delicious cheesecake –prepared with the help of a private session from our very own pastry chef, Stelios.

It’s been a fantastic year of innovation, skill-building, and fun in DT. We’re incredibly proud of all the students’ achievements and can’t wait to see what they create next!

Dr Grover, Head of DT

Inspiring Words, Confident Voices

As we wrap up another vibrant and creative year, we’re thrilled to reflect on the many highlights that have brought energy, expression, and excellence to our English and Drama classrooms.

Year 3 captivated their families with a delightful Poetry Café, where each child proudly performed an original poem inspired by The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris. Their imaginative use of language and expressive delivery made for a truly memorable event.

A standout moment of the year was undoubtedly Year 5’s Got Talent. Every pupil took to the stage with enthusiasm and flair, performing to a packed audience of proud parents. From poetry and music to magic tricks and comedy, the show was a vibrant celebration of individuality and courage. It was a testament to the supportive, inclusive environment that encourages every child to find and share their voice.

Year 6 were transported into the world of Alfred Noyes’ The Highwayman through an immersive workshop that explored the poem’s powerful imagery, historical context, and emotional depth. Pupils engaged in performance, discussion, and creative writing, deepening their appreciation for classic literature and storytelling.

We are also delighted to celebrate the continued success of our LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) programme. Pupils across several year groups took part in examinations in Acting, Verse and Prose, and Public Speaking, achieving exceptional results, with many earning Merits and Distinctions. It has been wonderful to see so many students embrace the challenge and joy of performance, and we look forward to welcoming even more participants next year as we continue to nurture articulate, expressive, and confident young voices.

Sport

We are fortunate to have the advantage of our outdoor pitches, MUGA and all-weather pitch for games lessons, training and matches at St Piran’s; all were put to great use this year along with our Sports Hall and swimming pool!

HOCKEY AND NETBALL

It has been a fantastic year of sport for the girls with numerous tournaments and matches in a variety of sports. It’s been great to see all the pupils progress throughout the year and their passion for sport continue to grow. Lots of children have had the opportunity to perform at IAPS events, with the school entering the most competitions to date.

We celebrated a fantastic achievement coming 2nd at both the IAPS netball and hockey regional finals and winning the county hockey

tournament. All the girls should be exceptionally pleased with their efforts this year. We are all so proud of all of them. Several Year 6 girls gained sport scholarships to their secondary schools next year which is a fantastic testament to their dedication to sport.

Our boys Colts hockey team performed well at the IAPS event and Berkshire Schools Tournament this year, plus Years 3 & 4 enjoyed their first ever competitive fixture of hockey!

FOOTBALL AND RUGBY

16 rugby teams in total enjoyed collectively over 100 fixtures against other schools this year and we were delighted that our U11A boys’ rugby team made the final of the Regional Cup at a tournament in Romsey.

In football, all of the boys enjoyed competitive fixtures and improvements were made throughout the term. We competed in over 100 matches across all of the year groups; a highlight was the U11A team’s performance at the ISFA and IAPS tournament, where they showed great skill and commitment narrowly losing in the quarter finals in both competitions. The U10 A & B team competed in the St George’s Windsor Football tournament losing in the final. Three of our teams, across the different year groups, have also enjoyed unbeaten seasons.

We entered some of our girls into the IAPS football out of season and they worked really hard, making great progress over a short period of time. The girls played really well at the regional round and qualified for the nationals after a very tense penalty shoot-out. At the national finals, the girls showed great determination and team work, narrowly losing in a semi-final, before claiming third place in the play-off final. Third place nationally was a great achievement for our pupils!

IAPS Rugby

Girls’ U11 Football – 3rd place at IAPS

Boys’ U11A Football

CROSS COUNTRY

Seven year groups, from Reception to Year 6, enjoyed their Clan Cross Country in the sun, promoting fitness and camaraderie and we were delighted to host the 10th Primary Schools’ Cross Country event this year.

SWIMMING AND BIATHLON

We have had some excellent swimming this term. Early Years continue to develop water confidence and stroke skills and all children in Middle and Upper School enjoyed a gala at Braywick. Lots of children have taken part in the schools’ triathlons in addition to swimming and all children in Year 3-6 took part in a biathlon at school. Our squads continue to train hard and we have had some excellent galas including competing and keeping up with children older than ours. At the IAPS triathlon, we had some excellent results and 7 children swam at the IAPS national finals at the London Aquatic Centre, all gaining PB’s with national silver medals for Rory (50m freestyle) and Freya (50m butterfly).

All children in Years 1-6 were involved in a really successful drowning prevention week which included an informative workshop and a chance to swim in pyjamas and clothes!

GYMNASTICS AND TRAMPOLINING

In November, some of our boys and girls were chosen to take part in the IAPS Gymnastics Championships 2-piece. We were delighted with 5th place for the U9 girls, 6th for U10 girls and 3rd for our U9 boys. A special mention for Millan who came 3rd out of 21 in our U11 mixed squad.

Trampolining continues to be a favourite activity for many children and the squad has been keen and dedicated to training and competing. The U11 boys’ team qualified for the British Schools National Finals, which were held in Derby and were so happy to achieve 3rd place while enjoying a fun weekend away.

St Piran’s entered 40 children from Years 3 -6 to compete at the IAPS Trampolining Championships. For many children, this was their first experience at a major competition. We had some great results; the U9 boys’ team achieving 1st place, 3rd place for our U9 girls’ A team and 2nd in the Plate Competition for the U9 B girls. The U11 boys’ team were 2nd and we gained a 2nd place individual medal. It was wonderful to see the effort made by every competitor and the encouragement and support generously given to each other.

CRICKET AND SPORTS DAYS

Across the season, we have played over seventy matches from Years 3 to 6, winning over fifty matches. Eight Upper School boys competed for Berkshire Cricket Country trials and our U11A reached the quarter finals in the IAPS cricket.

Successful Sports Days for all year groups gave all children a chance to demonstrate their newly acquired skills. Parent races for Pre-School and Nursery showcased a competitive and enthusiastic spirit among parents and a bouncy castle was a highlight despite the hot weather. Our Upper & Middle School Sports Days were incredibly well attended by parents with all our pupils competing in a circular programme of track and field events. Both sessions finished with every pupil competing in the Clan relays. West Clan won the Upper School relay and North Clan the Middle School relay!

Mr Smith, Mrs Holmes, Mrs Fricker, Miss Holloway

Councils

Our four councils: Learning, Eco, Safety and Wellbeing have been busy planning projects for the year, which are part funded by the school and part funded by the St Piran’s Society. Year 6 pupils take on the roles of Chair, Treasurer and Secretary during the full council meetings.

LEARNING

This year the Learning Council has had a real focus on the introduction of our new curriculum at St Piran’s. Harmony allows the theme of Nature to flow through our curriculum and the Learning Council have embraced the fact that sustainability needs to be at the forefront of our minds, even through our learning.

The council has also continued to promote our SPLH (St Piran’s Leadership Habits) with our MET (Motivation, Engagement and Thinking) at the core of everything we do. They ran a competition to add something to the school that benefits the learning of the pupils. Last year’s addition of flexible seating in many classrooms and outdoor areas has gone down a storm. We are pleased to announce that this year’s money will go towards a mini gym that the pupils will be able to use for small workouts which will aid brain breaks and physical movement, to then be able to refocus on learning to our best. The only trouble is we may have to fight to keep the games staff from using it all the time!

ECO

Eco Council has been working hard on a new challenge set by our caterers, Thomas Franks, to significantly reduce the amount of food waste at school over the next six months. After diligently weighing each year group’s food waste each day, we were thrilled to see that the fortnightly figures indicated a consistently good reduction in waste and at the end of June, we celebrated becoming regional winners in the Great Food Waste Challenge!

SThe students at St Piran’s have been chosen as regional winners in the Thomas Franks Great Food Waste Challenge because of their unwavering energy, eagerness to engage the school and their hard work throughout the challenge. The posters they created in their marketing workshop were fantastic and the slogan ‘Feed bellies, not bins’ is one that I use to this day. The posters, assembly and food waste competitions have all driven food waste down at the school and made this team worthy winners!

Thomas Franks

The Council was also very happy to have raised £347 from our recent mufti day. The money raised will go towards each class sponsoring an animal and its habitat that is protected and supported by the Wildlife Trusts here in the UK. Each class will receive personalised letters, information about their chosen animals, updates and a cuddly toy for their classroom.

In June, the Eco Council enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Eco Action Hub and the refill shop, Filling Good, in Maidenhead. They benefited from learning about ways we can have a positive impact on sustainability in our local community, and they shared their ideas about how to make a positive difference to the world. The volunteers at the Hub were extremely impressed with the children’s inspirational thoughts and actions and commended them for all their hard work. We look forward to many new and exciting projects next year.

SAFETY

Our Safety Council continues to canvas our local authority and highways team in Maidenhead to ensure there is adequate signage on the main road outside of the school. They even wrote to our new MP and gained an audience at the council chambers to discuss road safety on Gringer Hill.

The Safety Councillors ran a safety sign competition with pupils across the school with winning entries due to be submitted to the RBWM council. High Viz jackets donned and check lists in hand, they continue to conduct regular safety tours of the school ensuring all issues are logged for our facilities team to action. The pupil councillors voted to split their project money this year with equal donations towards the new back gate system and our cycling proficiency programme.

WELLBEING

We have had a really fun and enjoyable year on the Wellbeing Council. It has been very busy but we have learned lots about wellbeing and what it’s like to have responsibility on a council.

Our Highlights:

• Friendship Week – encouraging not just friendship but using the raffle ticket incentive to help us think carefully how we treat others. We are hoping for this to continue and to also make more of our values into a feature board to celebrate all the ways in which we are respectful, kind and inclusive

• Children’s Mental Health Week – ‘Know yourself, grow yourself!’ –designing class trees based upon our school values where we each shared on a leaf what our values are and what we want to achieve

• Mental Health Week – Community – we celebrated all the ways in which we work with our community and kicked off the week by getting our whole school to dance as a community. We also reminded everyone of how important it is to support each other and help take movement breaks, demonstrating how to do these.

Although we will be sad to leave the Council, we are proud of our achievements. We have been busy until the end and leave behind wellbeing boxes to help children and staff at the beginning of next academic year so that they have their own resources close to hand to promote wellbeing, mindfulness and self-care.

Staff Leavers

Our staff are a huge part of what makes St Piran’s thrive and it is always with gratitude and fondness that we bid farewell to those who leave us for new challenges.

Pam Carragher led the school as Head of Finance for almost six years, steering the school through the storms of COVID, spiking energy costs and most recently VAT and associated changes. Throughout her time in post, her unwavering dedication to our school’s financial health has been truly commendable and we wished her well as she left us to pursue consultancy projects, providing her with a more agile work-life balance.

Lynne Highy served as one of our beloved School Nurses for sixteen years. We will miss her wonderful dedication to the medical care of both staff and pupils. As a British Empire Medal holder, she has also worked tirelessly to support local charities and was instrumental in supporting the elderly during COVID, bravely visiting care homes at a time of great anxiety and confusion across our country and the world. Lynne leaves us to retire with her husband, Phillip, to the Cotswolds.

Joining us in 2019, Cherri Morton began her journey supporting the Bursary Team, before transitioning into a marketing role where she played a key part in elevating our social media presence and enhancing the visibility of our website. Cherri also took the lead in organising and capturing much of our day-to-day school photography, becoming a familiar and friendly face to the children – many of whom were always eager to smile for her camera. We are deeply grateful for Cherri’s creativity, dedication, and the many contributions she has made to St Piran’s.

In Early Years, we said a fond farewell to Mrs Sharon Plummer after ten years of service at St Piran’s as a Teaching Assistant, most recently within our Reception cohort. Mrs Plummer has retired to spend more time with her husband and family.

It would be remiss not to mention the noteworthy contributions of Andrew Richmond, who joined us nearly a year ago. Initially serving as the Bursar’s Assistant and most recently as Programs Manager, Andrew has worked tirelessly to refine our systems. We wish him every success in his new role with Interactive Schools.

After eleven remarkable years with us, Mrs Beverley-Kim Bailey leaves us to enjoy more cherished moments with her family. During her time at St Piran’s, she has been a beacon of inspiration and energy – transforming our teaching of Religious Education, IT and PSHE, and, more recently, pioneering new horizons as Head of Innovations & Partnerships and Mathematics. Her steadfast commitment, especially her remarkable organisation of our Chapel services, has enriched St Piran’s immeasurably and she will be sorely missed by pupils, parents, and staff alike.

We also bade a fond farewell to Mrs Lesley Thorn-Davis and Mrs Debbie Runcie, who retire from their job share roles as School Receptionists after eight and five years of excellent service respectively. Lesley’s calm and steady presence has been an invaluable source of support and insight, always embodying the St Piran’s values to ensure a warm welcome to school visitors. Similarly, Debbie’s exceptional people skills and resilient approach have ensured our front desk has operated with efficiency, even during the most challenging moments.

Our thanks also go to Miss Isla-May Dilinchev, an exceptional GAP student whose organisational prowess in the pool culminated in a very impressive Swimarathon. Miss Dill, as she is known by the pupils, also supported our elite swimmers at the IAPS National Finals at the Aquatic Centre.

Mrs Gemma Linley-Barker served diligently as a Teaching Assistant in our Middle School for seven years before extending her invaluable support to Year 1. Working tirelessly in her spare time towards qualification as a counsellor, Gemma now departs to pursue her passion – a calling that promises to continue impacting young lives in extraordinary ways.

A final thought for Rev Sally Lynch, who retires from her role as vicar of St Luke’s and a much-loved St Piran’s School Governor. Throughout her time with us, she has been a steady, compassionate presence – always ready with words of comfort, moments of reflection, and a warmth that radiated through every interaction. We will miss her hugely. Her contributions at our Chapel services and school events have left a lasting impression on pupils, staff, and the wider school community.

Mrs Bailey ‘Miss Dill’

Mrs Linley-Barker Rev Sally Lynch

Lynne Highy Mrs Plummer

Mrs Thorn-Davis Mrs Runcie