Echo Day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3-13
Elstree School
It is important that this edition of Echo goes beyond capturing proud Elstree moments and the fun of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This term has marked an occasion that should inspire children to be resilient and empathetic as we prepare them for the future. We have all been reminded that success in life is about taking responsibility and keeping to our commitments. Having served her country selflessly and with a profound loyalty, humility and unwavering sense of purpose for over 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II is an extraordinary role model. I do hope you enjoy reading about what we have been up to over the past 6
Elstree pupils joined a big conversation this term when we sent our representatives to the inaugural Children’s Parliament to discuss climate change. It is inspiring and humbling to see young children so earnest in their endeavours to learn about our world and what we can do to look after it. Closer to home, we have our own Eco Committee which meets twice a term, and the whole school is involved in two eco initiatives, Waste Week, when children monitor food waste to encourage greener eating habits, and Switch Off Fortnight, which has helped to cut our use of electricity by 15% - very good timing and we hope they can keep it going!
We have so much to celebrate in this edition of Echo. At last, we are enjoying a real Summer Term again, and with it the children go from strength to strength. Common Entrance exams are over and the sense of pride and relief is palpable. As well as putting the rigour of our academic preparations to the test, there have been golden moments of childhood: a stirring array of musical performances, sporting accomplishments, charitable endeavours – and of course, the Elstree celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The whole school had great fun preparing for our Jubilee events and it was wonderful that over 200 of you – past pupils, parents, staff and governorsjoined our Diner en Rouge, Blanc et Bleu to get the Elstree party started. It was a fantastically patriotic effort, but I am glad to say it could not begin to compete with the tremendous energy and contagious enthusiasm of the Elstree children during the following day’s Jubilee Jamboree. The theme this term has been ‘initiative’ and I am proud to see the pupils’ quickwitted spirit expressed in these pages. At Elstree we always encourage children to be curious, to find creative solutions to problems and to strike up conversations to foster relationships. This all helps to build mutual respect and self-belief in our pupils, and I have been consistently impressed by their growing confidence. In all their endeavours, Elstree children have put their initiative to good use. I see it in the classrooms, on the sports fields and in the creation of special arts projects or musical performances. The unexpected gems of conversation that give a sense of who these wonderful young people will go on to be, are an added bonus for us all.
It has been good to see the reappearance of trips and days out – pupils are so excited to visit new places and widen their horizons. We also have a responsibility to engage with our wider community and support local charity initiatives and events. These activities encourage the pupils to be self-aware and respectful as they pluck up the courage to explore a world that offers so much.
Sidmonths.Inglis,Headmaster 2 Elstree Echo Issue 20
HEADMASTER’S WELCOME
I am pleased to report that Elstree Boarding is in fine fettle, and the Boarding House has been full to the brim for the Summer Term! We have been blessed with some fine weather and the pool, cricket nets and outside pizza oven have seen plenty of use. Over the Easter holidays the bathrooms in Sanderson’s benefitted from a major overhaul with a brand-new shower room complete with 5 new shower cubicles, new loos and new sinks. Falmouth dorm has been repurposed into a bright and cheery Common Room. The builders have done a terrific job and feedback from the children has been very positive! Over the coming Summer holidays, the rest of Sanderson’s will be re-decorated and ‘freshened up’ so that the whole landing should be really smart for the start of the Autumn Term 2022.
Elstree Echo Issue 20 3
ELSTREE BOARDING
Iain Hepburn, Boarding Housemaster
Big Weekends and Boarders’ Family events have been as popular and wellattended as ever. We all thoroughly enjoyed the Boarders’ Race Night last term, with the McMullen Hall packed out as the dodgy bookies did a roaring trade! We also introduced a brand-new event for the Year 7 Big Weekend – an Elstree take on 1990’s TV show ‘Crystal Maze’. The children all really enjoyed dashing around the school, trying to complete the various challenges (mental, physical and skillsbased) before getting out of the rooms just before the doors were locked! It really was great fun, and I am sure it will become a staple of the Big Weekend Moreprogramme.recently, our Year 8s enjoyed a wonderful social with Downe House on a glorious summer’s evening. The ability and ease of adolescents aged 12 or 13 to mix with new people in new surroundings can be daunting, and often depends on the activities on offer to break the ice. Downe House laid on bungee trampolining and crazy golf along with a takeaway van for various chippy delights! It was lovely to see our pupils introducing themselves to others. Spread out on outdoor pillows the groups chatted away in the evening sunlight. Laughter could be heard throughout the evening and we all returned to Elstree in high spirits. Girls boarding continues to go from strength to strength, and we were heavily oversubscribed this term with only one dorm at our disposal. The girls boarding will move into Sanderson’s at the start of the Autumn Term 2022, with Years 4 to 6 moving to Uppers and Years 7 and 8 accommodated on the Lowers landing. This should create more space and we can look forward to giving the growing numbers of girls all the space they require!
4 Elstree Echo Issue 20
True innovators with a strong moral compass and an inspiring hunger to take on all that Elstree has to offer. We hope that they will be a steadfast influence on the growing cohort of young girls joining Elstree.
CO-EDUCATION THRIVES
We are looking forward to seeing the girls take the next step in their educational careers. We are seeing an interestingly equal split in the number of girls who are going on to single-sex schools and those who will remain in a co-educational environment. Downe House, Wycombe Abbey, St Mary’s Calne and Sherborne Girls are popular single-sex choices and Bradfield, Wellington, Marlborough and St Edward’s Oxford are the main co-educational contenders.
Two years ago, we fundamentally changed the DNA of Elstree School. It has been a time of change and progress, and one that we’re extremely proud to have seen through. Family values have always been at the heart of the Elstree ethos so it feels entirely right that boys and girls are able to enjoy a Pre-Prep and Prep school education and childhood with us. Today, our pupils are prepared to take their place naturally in the wider community. We have 80 girls throughout Elstree School and as of next term, in every year group. We have expanded our extracurricular programme to incorporate dance, art and cooking alongside our more traditional activities such as fencing, judo and golf amongst other opportunities. Girls and boys are invited to try them all and it is wonderful to see them embrace all activities with such Sportenthusiasm.forbothgirls and boys continues to flourish at Elstree. This term we were thrilled to see Sophie Payne make history by smashing the 300m track record at Caldicott School, finishing lengths ahead of the boys, what a sprint! Tennis is enduringly popular, and the girls and boys have been serving up a feast of skill and sportsmanship in their matches with Cranford House, Summer Fields, Crosfields, Thorngrove and St Andrew’s. The nets are alive with activity and mixed teams are being fielded for cricket throughout the summer. There is always a wonderful team-spirit and friendly cooperation that makes these activities so rewarding for children, at every level.
True to our Elstree values, we continue to nurture and inspire every child, according to his or her ability and interests. Our tailored approach and ability to recognise each pupil on an individual level has made the transition to a co-educational school very straight-forward. Because the very ethos of an Elstree education remains the same, it is as if the girls have always been here.
AT ELSTREE
Next year, we will be fully co-educational across the school, from Nursery to Year 8. Our younger girls will have exceptional role models to look up to.
‘Those are dark clouds’, said the boy ‘yes’, said the horse ‘but they will move on. The blue sky above never leaves.’
The fabulous swing by the Harry Shapland adventure playground has been much loved and very well used by Elstree children in the last two years. Finally our 2019 Leavers could see it in action - and enjoy a moment’s respite from their GCSE revision. We so enjoyed seeing these boys back in Elstree and thank them enormously for their wonderful Leavers gifts.
Enjoying our 10km charity stroll along the Ridgeway, there was some happy reminiscing from a group of Old Boys (and Girl!) who had taken part in a similar walking event whilst at Elstree in the 1980s!
2019 & 2020 Leavers
During the Easter holidays we were finally able to welcome back our 2019 and 2020 Leavers. With their final Elstree terms having been so disrupted by Covid, it was an absolute pleasure to give them the send-off they so deserved, and an added bonus to catch up on all they have been up to.
Conquer the Coast Challenge
Towards the end of 2021, Rufus McGrath, Geordie Wainwright, and Jamie Prowse (all 2009 Leavers) and their friend Sam Lebus tackled Seven Marathons in Seven Days along the Pembrokeshire coastline. With a combined elevation the height of Everest, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a spectacular 186 mile long National Trail covering some of the most varied coastal scenery in Britain. It passes 58 beaches and 14 harbours and tracks every cliff and cover between St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south. The highs and lows, physically, emotionally and topographically were all for a just cause, mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). The team raised a fantastic £82,884, exceeding their £70,000 target.
ELSTREE ALUMNI
The 2020 Leavers unveiled their incredibly poignant gift which proudly hangs in the Front Hall at Elstree. An original Charlie Mackesy painting, which aptly reflects the Elstree school motto ‘Clarior Ex Obscuro’.
Elstree School
Elstree Echo Issue 20 5
Alumni on the Ridgeway Walk
Max ClementsonEngland 7’s
Benedict Harveyformer Elstree Head Boy
Mr and Mrs Inglis so enjoyed catching up with Benedict Harvey at Eton recently. Benedict was Head Boy at Elstree in 2017 and left with a King’s Scholarship to Eton. He is currently studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry for his A-levels and is Joint Head of House in College at BenedictEton. is hoping to study Maths at Trinity College, Cambridge next year. Benedict is in the UK team for the International Physics Olympiad this Summer. Since arriving at Eton, Benedict has been awarded a Music Exhibition and has really enjoyed the musical side of Eton; playing the piano and singing in the College Chapel Choir, including two tours, one in Latvia and one in Hong Kong. It was so wonderful to hear that he continues to thrive - well done Benedict!
We are so proud of Elstree Alumnus Max Clementson (2004 – 2010) who was selected for the Men’s England Rugby Sevens squad. Max kicked off his first England tour in Malaga, Spain at the start of the year. It was wonderful to see him as part of the team and we wish him good luck for future matches!
6 Elstree Echo Issue 20
Elstree Skiing Team
The Halford Hewitt cup was first raced in 1935 and is one of the most important team races of the Marden’s ski club in Switzerland. We are so impressed by the wonderful team made up of current pupil Caspar Williams (current Year 6) and Elstree Old Boys Zander Williams (2019), Ben Williams (2021) and Will Blackwell (1989) who won the cup this year, making it the first ever skiing silverware for Elstree. Well done to all - what a fantastic team effort! L
Elstree Echo Issue 20 7
We cracked into the Platinum Jubilee celebrations with great patriotic spirit! What fun it was to welcome over 200 smiling faces to our “Diner en Rouge, Blanc et Bleu”. Our bring-your-own pop-up picnic was a fine display of the warmth and fun of the Elstree community. Dressed in red, white and blue the breezy evening was kept at bay by great friendships, laughter and a very fine array of picnic refreshments. It was wonderful to see parents across the Pre-Prep and Prep schools join together as well as lots of Elstree staff, all in celebratory form. The grounds and catering teams put in a fantastic effort to provide a beautiful setting for such a special occasion.
CELEBRATING THE PLATINUM JUBILEE
Diner en Rouge, Blanc et Bleu
Jubilee Concert
How can 70 years of service be summed up in 15 minutes?
We paused proceedings for a picnic lunch in the sunshine and during the break, we planted our ceremonial Jubilee Oak Tree, which we hope will be a long-standing reminder to all of the significance of this historic occasion.
Those with eager fingers and dexterous minds were put to the test in making their own mini drum, fit for any Royal drummer. Putting on the front lawn provided a more sedate and thoughtful moment. Meanwhile, everyone seemed to find plenty of energy to catapult sweets at the Elstree teachers and for those with any steam left in the tank, there was an addictively fun opportunity to Wang a Welly or two.
This brilliantly fun and patriotic day was capped off by welcoming parents and friends of Elstree School to an afternoon tea and Prep school concert – an opportunity to enjoy a spectacular array of cakes and glass of fizz to toast the Queen. The Prep school children proudly performed Run, Rabbit Run!, the school song Clario ex Obscuro and of course, The National Anthem amongst others. Their stirring rendition of The White Cliffs of Dover brought a few tears to eyes but on the whole, joy and pride prevailed.
This was a day that promised to be action-packed, full of camaraderie, high-jinks and patriotic symbolism – and it didn’t disappoint! The boys, girls, teachers and staff all came to school dressed in red, white and blue. The school had been well and truly decked with Union Jack bunting inside and out and our Pre-Prep and Year 3s donned a remarkable array of Aftercrowns.morning lessons, pupils fled outside and into the glorious May sunshine for a whirlwind carousel of events masterminded by Mrs Inglis. The events took place on the Front Lawn and Rose Garden. The Prep school was divided into their 12 different forms, enjoying 12 different activities, each one lasting 15 minutes.
Jubilee Jamboree
Bums hit the floor more than we like to see in Musical Chairs, but some fine creative skills shone through in making Union Jack flags and face painting. We don’t doubt that the Queen herself would have devoured the cupcakes, although we are less sure she would have been honoured by Jubilee Bingo.
Excitement at a high, fingers twitching and ready to burst into action, the bell rang and pupils were off! There was a competitive burst of energy at the table tennis tables, speedy thinking with a sporty version of Connect 4 and shrieks of laughter and frustration as the tail of the corgi just couldn’t be pinned in the appropriate place.
8 Elstree Echo Issue 20
CELEBRATING THE PLATINUM JUBILEE
Elstree Echo Issue 20 9 CELEBRATING THE
Platinum Jubilee Tapestry
Pupils throughout the school have been working with Mrs Syckelmoore since early Spring to bring the Elstree garden to life in honour of the Queen. Children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 have sown seeds of pansies, violas, sweet peas and wildflowers to encourage bees and butterflies. Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Cauliflowers, Rainbow mix-Swiss Chard, Spinach, Courgettes, Squash and a selection of salad leaves and herbs were planted too. When there was no chance of frost, the red, white and blue plants and the selection of vegetables were carefully transferred to the raised beds, which were decorated with bunting. They have been a stunning and colourful addition to our Jubilee preparations. PLATINUM JUBILEE
Jubilee in the Pre-Prep
Throughout the Summer Term, every Prep school pupil prepared a piece of the tapestry in the art department, by painting, sewing or printing their own Jubilee inspired textile square. Almost 200 tiles were sown together in the maths department by Mrs Storchak. This tapestry is a stunning reminder of both our Queen and the pupils who were a part of Elstree’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. It will forever hang in the front hall, a beautiful tribute to this memorable time.
The Elstree Pre-Prep had the most wonderful time celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee. The entrance hall was an art gallery full of portraits of the Queen, drawn by Year 2, a colourful wall hanging which every child in Pre-Prep had contributed to, a gem filled silhouette created by Year 1, bunting made with handprints from Nursery and delicious cookies made by the Early Years. Throughout the week every class took part in a wide selection of activities which will have provided the children with memories to Thecherish.week culminated in the whole school wearing red, white and blue and taking part in a traditional fair which included a donkey derby, tin can alley and pin the knickers on the Queen. Children and staff alike had the most amazing time.
Platinum Jubilee Garden
STEAM links elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. Children work collaboratively on projects that incorporate aspects from each subject. In turn, they learn about risk-taking, teamwork, resilience and communication in a great fun way.
STEAM Projects
The purpose of their adventure was to collect some primary data for their Common Entrance Fieldwork. The pupils worked brilliantly in teams collecting data including the river width, depth, crosssectional area, velocity and sediment size. This trip really brought the pupils together, learning in a fun and practical way. Fieldwork is embedded within the geography curriculum and accounts for 20% of Common Entrance.
ACADEMIC
Year 5 enjoyed a wonderful project experimenting with crystal paints and resist techniques. They looked at how colours are made, how they can be mixed and how to separate them. Using glass blocks (prisms) they split light into ‘rainbows’ and using filter paper and pipettes they found out that felt tip pens are made of a mixture of colours. They went on to marble eggs with nail polish and constructed a drafting machine (pantograph) to duplicate their original drawings to larger and smaller scales. ‘Magic’ drawings were made using refraction of light. Finally, carefully using a range of chemicals, they created beautifully coloured fireworks. This was a session full of creative and scientific intrigue and surprise.
Portals to the Past - WWII Year 3 were treated to half a term’s history lessons in one day, delivered by Carl from Portals to the Past. The pupils were dressed in World War II evacuee costumes. It was like travelling back in time - and that’s got to be the best way to learn about the past.
At the star t of the Summer Term, Year 7 enjoyed a day out exploring the beautiful Berkshire countryside on the back of a tractor before wading into the River Pang.
Year 6 exceeded all expectations in the Lent term with a brilliant production of CS Lewis’ classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe adapted by Glyn Robbins. The four Pevensie children (Sophie, Ethan, Maisie and Harry) had the audience spellbound as they jumped back and forth into the magical world of Narnia through a beautifully crafted, spinning wardrobe. Once in Narnia they encountered adventures with a Faun (sensitively characterised by Tilly), a fearsome White Witch played by Kate and the amicable pair of Beavers (Seb and Kitty). A big shout-out to Lachlan for his stage debut as Aslan, as well as all of Year 6 who rehearsed for hours throughout March to make the play such a success.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Geography Common Entrance Fieldwork
“What I really liked was the World War II history he taught us and dressing up. I love history.” Sophie, 3CMK “I liked breaking the code and the buzz-the-wire game, a bomb disposal exercise.” Charlie, 3CMK
PERFORMING ARTS
PREP NEWS 10 Elstree Echo Issue 20
Over the last 6 months, we have continued to build on the success of our STEAM projects.
“Walking inside the ship, then under the glass roof and seeing the rudder and propeller was really cool.” Charlie, 4PJL
“I enjoyed the Victorian classroom and playing with the toys which were made of wood. We tried on Victorian clothes and drew some pictures before exploring the SS Great Britain. It was a fun day away from school.” James, 4PJL
Elstree Echo Issue 20 11 &CO-CURRICULARENRICHMENT
Holden’s solo in The Lord is My Shepherd rang with the purity of a heavenly choir. Alex Anderson read the poem Daffodils with great maturity and control. Jerry Liu and Derek Lee performed masterful piano solos. Monty read verses from Psalm 91 with reassuring confidence. The congregation sang with a cathartic release that comes with celebrating the joy of simply being alive. The evening reached its peak with William Anderson’s subtle but powerful reading of an extract from The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. The song Go Down Moses gave the school choir the opportunity to display its rich harmonies in all their resplendent colours.
This concert was every inch the musical and spiritual joy it promised to Jamesbe.
PALS visit Elstree
PALS is a local charity that supports children and young adults who have physical disabilities. We have been thrilled to welcome them back to Elstree again. Our Year 7s offered their support in making gingerbread biscuits. All shapes and sizes were produced: hearts, stars, butterflies and even frogs! This was followed by our own version of The Pottery Throw Down Helped by Mrs Syckelmoore the children made clay thumb pots and leaf prints. A few weeks later they were delighted to see the results of their efforts once they had been fired and glazed.
What perfect conditions we had for the long-awaited return of our 10km sponsored Ridgeway Walk. After juice and biscuits, the Elstree pupils, staff, parents and supporters energetically set off to enjoy the spring countryside in all its splendour. Refreshment stops laden with delicious brownies and flapjacks were thoughtfully spaced out and the walk ended at West Ilsley Cricket Club where all finishers were rewarded with a certificate and ice-cream. In between the eating and drinking, the long walk provided a wonderful opportunity for the Elstree community to catch up. It goes without saying that the generosity of the supporters was overwhelming, raising an incredible £6,155 for our chosen charities, Winston’s Wish and Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Ridgeway Walk
Music by Candlelight
DAYS OUT SS Great Britain
During the Lent Term, Year 4 enjoyed a day out in Bristol visiting the SS Great Britain, the world’s first ocean liner designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The children were invited to explore the era by dressing up, playing with toys similar to the period and trying to write with pen and ink. The informative tour of the ship showed conditions in First, Second and Steerage classes as well as experiencing the sounds and smells of the doctor’s surgery, galley and engine room. The pupils explored the ship’s hull and saw how it was preserved against corrosion before visiting the interactive museum, which showcased many of Brunel’s original notes and sketches.
“We had a great day visiting The SS Great Britain and we learnt lots about Brunel. I enjoyed the museum and going to the cinema. The ship was amazing.” Jack, 4PJL
TheSPORTSbiggestsporting pleasure over the last six months has been in welcoming parents, families and supporters back to the touch-lines. With them, they have brought in a fresh wave of enthusiasm for Sport at Elstree and our teams and pupils have played every game and match with integrity, skill and enthusiasm. The Lent term saw a fine display of rugby, hockey and netball. Our full teams and mixed teams played with huge energy and showed great team-spirit and Thesportsmanship.tenniscourts on Bates are always in use in the Summer Term. The recent Year 8 Mother’s Tournament was a showcase of quality tennis and plenty of laughter too. Congratulations to Toby van den Bergh and Louisa. In early May, ten Elstree pupils participated in Wellington College’s inaugural co-educational 8-a-side cricket festival. Elstree won every match and more importantly represented the school with great effort and decorum. Harry Clothier was recognised as ‘Player of the Day’ with Wilf Foulds winning ‘Best Male Player’ and Sophie Payne winning ‘Best Female Batter’. All the children made us proud and it was a pleasure to see their growing skills and confidence. Elstree enjoyed a remarkable winning streak at the Bradfield College Golf Cup tournament winning the overall competition for the first time since 2005beyond that Wilf Foulds, Lachlan McCreoch and Alex Price were individually recognised for astonishing performances. All six boys not only showed great sporting talent, but their company and conduct both on and off the course made us proud.
12 Elstree Echo Issue 20
ACADEMIC
Reading The Paper Dolls and making chains of paper friends, KS1 children explored the value of friendships and making memories. Zog inspired a lesson in Dragon school where children learned to fly, roar quietly, squeakily and loudly. They breathed fire with tissue flames. After Hospital Dog the children thought about what makes them feel happy and safe if they are nervous, scared or sad about something. What a wonderful day we all had celebrating books and reading! “I loved learning to fly. I got a golden star.” Alice, 2LT
With entrants ranging from Nursery through to Year 2, all these Pre-Prep children should be commended on their oral presentation skills. There is no doubt that their weekly drama lessons taken by Elstree’s Head of Drama, Mrs Oliver, have helped to build their confidence. One child sang a poem, two wrote their own poems with the fathers – one amusingly about life at Elstree and the other commemorating the Queen’s Jubilee. They were just brilliant and as the judge, Mr Owens commented, it is something quite special to be able to stand in front of a packed crowd and recite your poem, never mind if you are three or seven!
Pre-Prep PerformancePoetry
MUSIC & DRAMA Nativity Play It was particularly special to see parents and children enjoying our Pre-Prep nativity plays this year. These plays are a highlight of the year and provide an opportunity for all children to perform on
The theme for this year’s World Book Day in Pre-Prep was Julia Donaldson books – and what an array of fabulous costumes we saw. The morning’s parade was full of excitement and the children loved listening to stories and bringing so much of what they heard into their learning and games throughout the day.
Thestage.script, written by Charlie Wood, was a masterpiece. We were so impressed at how quickly the children learnt their lines. It was wonderful to see them helping each other in moments of forgetfulness or distraction. Their actions, whether planned or just from joy were a pleasure to watch and the catchy songs and wonderful costumes were a delight.
Pre-Prep World Book Day
ELSTREE PRE-PREP NEWS Elstree Echo Issue 20 13
“I love my bonnet so much!” Johnny, 1SP “I liked waving to everyone” Felicity, RO’N Elstree
On the last day of term, the Pre-Prep children were able to show off their creations during our Easter Bonnet Parade. Visitors congregated in the PrePrep playground and watched the children stream into the sunshine with wide smiles and pride in their Easter creations.
The day of the shop finally arrived, and the bracelets were carefully presented to look appealing to the visiting shoppers. Four classes from the Prep School took it in turns to attend. It was wonderful to see the Pre-Prep children’s joy as their bracelets were chosen and sold, making a total of £239.53. In addition to this wonderful profit, it is what the children learnt that was really valuable. That 2-year-olds could recognise how lucky they are and that all the children in the Pre-Prep have an awareness that some people in the world are less fortunate than themselves. It was empowering for them all to make a difference.
World Workshops Mrs Bond, our Head of Pre-Prep was fortunate enough to visit South Africa during the Christmas break; a trip that inspired the Lent Term Pre-Prep ItWorkshop.wasaninteresting trip to share with children, the colourful scenery, exciting animals and the abject poverty and slums that are in such a stark contrast to our lives here. Transferring the realisation of how fortunate we are sparked wonderful conversations with the children, who really wanted to understand what they could do to help. Exploring the differences in people’s lives, the children learnt about the Masai Tribe - their houses, schools and the jewellery that they make and sell to tourists. This launched the project idea for the Pre-Prep children to work as a team, with each one making their own bracelet. They would then set up a shop and invite children in Year 3 and 4 to come and buy their jewellery. All proceeds would be sent to ‘Where Rainbows Meet’ a charity supporting a range of families in Africa. The bracelet making was a roaring success. Year 2 children were challenged to plait and knot their bracelets using embroidery threads. Our youngest children in Nursery also joined in, threading their beads onto a slightly thicker elastic. Hand-eye coordination and patience were certainly tested, but they all did a wonderful job.
In the build up to Easter, many Pre-Prep children took part in our annual Easter Bonnet Workshop with the aim of taking part in the Easter Bonnet Parade later that week. With the sun shining and a feeling of spring in the air, the children enjoyed crafting Easter bonnets with their parents, grandparents and teachers. Each classroom was a sea of colour and creativity. Easter Eggs a plenty were glued to bonnets and chicks positioned with precision.
14
Echo Issue 20
ENRICHMENT
Pre-Prep Easter Bonnet Parade
Back down on Earth they explored the ‘Small Worlds’ area. Each area was based on a book, so they went on a bear hunt, the bunnies bus and helped the Jolly Postman. A favourite for all was the giant bed for bedtime stories, it had the biggest teddy we think they had ever seen!
Their attention and imaginations were captivated with a workshop on knights. There were plenty of volunteers to model the costumes and try out some of the weapons. They were all astounded at the size of the lance used for jousting and it took two of them to lift a practice one!
As we left, three soldiers marched past in red tunics and bearskin busbies, the children followed suit and we made our way back to the coach to the sound of little marching feet.
The children were thrilled to see Queen Mary’s Dolls House, they loved the miniature furniture and were particularly impressed that the electrics and hot and cold water taps actually worked. The guide at the door also told us that the mini champagne bottles actually contained real champagne!
The gold room was a highlight as was the dining room with hundreds of coats of arms on the ceiling.
“Wow!” and “This is the best day ever!”
DAYS OUT Year 1 STEAM Museum Year 1 had a wonderful trip to the STEAM Museum. The children were completely immersed in a different era, dressing up and exploring steam trains. Everyone had a turn to be a train conductor, build their own model steam trains and then explore a life-size version – even looking underneath to investigate the inner workings. The children were beautifully behaved and were great ambassadors for Elstree Pre-Prep
Elstree Echo Issue 20 15
Year 2 Windsor Castle Year 2 had a wonderful day out to Windsor Castle. Their topic during the Lent Term had been castles, so they were extremely excited to go and see a ‘real life’ one!
Reception Story Museum
On arrival, the children set off to St George’s Chapel where they were reminded about showing respect and talking quietly in the church. The children were amazed by the height of the ceiling and the vastness of the space. They loved the flags by the choir stalls and altar and it was with great excitement that a sword and armour were spotted hanging by a painting. They did an amazing job of trying to whisper their reactions!
A journey through the staterooms brought new cries of “Look at this!”
The children were all so excited to be going on a coach on their first school trip!
“This is the best trip ever, ever, ever.” Harry, 2L-T
“Wow! Look at those swords on those guns.” Oscar, 2L-T
On arrival at the Story Museum in Oxford, they were told to get into their space suits. Henry gave a wonderful countdown before blast off and then the children took off into space. They saw the moon, stars and rockets. A Native American myth gave them ideas about how the stars appeared into the sky. Then they read stories about space and used props to help them bring the story to life, Ollie loved steering a plane into space.
OPEN MORNING Saturday 1st October 2022
