World Book Day brought to life the magic hidden within the pages of a good book, as pupils dressed up in a wonderful array of creative costumes. Literary figures roaming the corridors ranged from Paddington Bear to Elmer the Elephant alongside perennial favourites Harry Potter, Where’s Wally and Gandalf
Throughout the day, pupils enjoyed a carousel of literary activities including author visits, a bookshelf quiz, decorating masks, and an exciting game of Capture the Flag. What a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of reading!
The Headmaster
The spring term has been as action-packed and enjoyable as ever and I hope you enjoy looking back over the highlights in this edition of ROAR.
Technology has been the theme of our assemblies, and what a fascinating journey it has been. From the surprising revelation that horses (yes, horses!) were responsible for the invention of trousers to exploring how modern technology has shaped the world of online games, we have covered quite a spectrum.
World Book Day was a tremendous success with everyone celebrating the joy of reading. Beyond the classroom, pupils have been busy exploring the world around them, from Year 3 discovering the wonders of Kew Gardens to Year 6 heading off on their Sports Tour to the Midlands.
And, what a term for sport! Mr Salt has organised a record number of fixtures, tournaments, and festivals, giving everyone the opportunity to participate in something truly special - proudly representing their School and having a fantastic time. With so much packed into the term, it’s been a whirlwind of activity!
I wish you all a relaxing and restful Easter break.
Year 1 pupils combined creativity and numeracy by designing and illustrating their very own counting books, which they shared with Kindergarten.
Filled with colourful pictures and engaging themes, the books made learning numbers fun. Kindergarten loved reading with the older pupils, while Year 1 had the opportunity to build confidence and develop leadership skills.
Tim Smith Headmaster
The Head of Pre-Prep
I can hardly believe how quickly this term has flown by! It has been a wonderfully busy and exciting time for Pre-Prep, filled with special moments, memorable milestones and visits aplenty.
Without doubt, one of the highlights has been moving into our beautiful new spaces, where our children have settled in seamlessly. Watching them explore, learn and flourish in these new environments has been an absolute joy.
A particularly special moment was stepping into the new Centenary Hall. What a fantastic addition to Pre-Prep! This vibrant space has already played host to many wonderful events – from assemblies and a fabulous book fair to a magical visit from the brilliant author, Tracey Corderoy. I have no doubt that it will be a hub of creativity, celebration and community for many years to come.
Wishing you all a fabulous Easter.
Imogen Murphy Head of Pre-Prep
Reception enjoyed a trip to Hampton Library, where they learnt all about how a library works.
After exploring the children’s section and carefully selecting a book to take back to Pre-Prep, the librarian read The Book Hospital by Leigh Hodgkinson. Reception loved learning about how to care for their books, imagining what life would be like if they were a book!
Year 3 and 4 pupils had a fantastic time learning about nutrition and how to make smart food choices during an engaging session on healthy eating.
Year 4 unleashed their culinary creativity whipping up delicious yoghurt bowls packed with tasty and nutritious ingredients, while Year 3 had fun assembling flavourful wraps, using different ingredients from the salad bar.
Year 5 blended learning with fun as they used pedal power to create a variety of tasty drinks in their smoothie bike workshop.
Choosing from apples, bananas and strawberries, everyone put in plenty of effort to make their smoothies and they were rewarded with a healthy and delicious concoction.
There was a buzz of excitement through Prep as Simon Fox, author of Deadlock and Running out of Time, joined pupils in an assembly and workshop to discuss his life as an author.
The budding authors then put pen to paper and used Simon’s five-step method to create their very own story outline.
Pre-Prep enjoyed a wonderful workshop with the children’s author Tracey Corderoy.
Using puppets and props, Tracey brought to life her book Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam, the story of two doggy friends who are the world’s most hopeless burglars.
The workshop finished with a fun step-by-step drawing session, where pupils learned to sketch the character Slippery Sam Tracey was delighted with everyone’s fantastic creations!
Globe Theatre
Year 6 took a journey back in time as they visited the Globe Theatre to complement their study of Shakespeare’s Macbeth
The visit began with an engaging tour of the famous theatre, where everyone learned about its fascinating history. Pupils took part in a lively workshop, stepping into the iconic roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth with aplomb.
Our Junior Travel Ambassadors took time out of their busy day to teach Reception all about road safety and how to ride carefully on their scooters. Pupils practised safe stopping, slowing down and navigating a tricky obstacle course!
Reading Café
Year 3 and 4 pupils welcomed their families to this term’s Reading Café.
A three-course menu of literary delights was sampled by all, followed by some tea and biscuits! It was wonderful to see so many passionate readers sharing stories with their families.
Regency Bookshop brought a specially curated selection of exciting books for Pre-Prep & Prep pupils to enjoy.
From books exploring the fascinating world of dinosaurs to hilarious stories that delighted young readers, there was a wide range of exciting fiction and non-fiction books to explore - pupils were spoilt for choice!
A rainbow of colours descended on a muddy Carlisle Park for the annual House Cross Country competition.
There was outstanding effort from pupils in Year 1 to 6, as they battled it out in a race around the park in a bid to make it to the finish line. With plenty of cheering from watching spectators, pupils demonstrated remarkable determination. Congratulations to Tudor House who clinched the cup for the second consecutive year.
Year 6 enjoyed an action-packed multi-sports tour to the Midlands, an opportunity to improve their sporting skills and create lasting memories in their final year at School.
The young sportsmen took part in an exciting rugby festival at Beechwood Park School, where they displayed outstanding teamwork, attacking skills and confidence. If that wasn’t enough, they then took on Fairfield Prep in a competitive football fixture. As a well-deserved treat, pupils enjoyed a visit to Pride Park to watch Derby take on Blackburn, followed by a game of tenpin bowling to round off the trip.
Year 3 had a wonderful day out at Kew Gardens, participating in a Maths in the Great Outdoors workshop.
As they explored the gardens, they estimated and measured the circumference of trees and the perimeter of leaves. Applying their maths skills in a real-world setting, they worked collaboratively to solve challenges and make exciting discoveries about nature.
Year 1 embarked on an exciting adventure to Hanwell Zoo, where they discovered a fascinating array of animals, from elegant flamingos and spiky porcupines to playful monkeys and curious meerkats.
To enhance their learning in science, the pupils explored the diets, habitats, and daily lives of the zoo’s residents. They also discovered the crucial role of conservation in protecting these incredible species and looking after the natural world.
Trip to Wisley
Reception turned nature detectives on their visit to RHS Garden Wisley.
Pupils enjoyed a workshop exploring how plants grow and what they need to stay healthy. They examined a variety of plants, from the smallest green shoots to towering trees and enjoyed a walk in the historic Oakwood, hunting for flowers and seeds.
After a delicious picnic lunch in the sunshine, pupils toured the impressive glasshouse, filled with tree ferns, tall palms and lush-leaved creepers.
Year 4 impressed staff at the Lightbox Gallery with their thoughtful comments, and confidence in sharing their personal responses to sculpture, painting and drawing.
Everyone enjoyed the clay workshop, which produced a fantastic range of expressive self-portraits that the young artists will develop further at School.
The House Poetry Final was a wonderful celebration of the spoken word from poets around the world. Pupils captivated the audience with a superb range of performances - from witty and comedic verses to powerful rap, alongside deeply moving poems.
The finalists shone, displaying remarkable courage and conviction as they delivered their memorised pieces with passion. Our judge, Mrs Rigby, Head of English at Hampton School, provided thoughtful and encouraging feedback, making the event both inspiring and memorable.
by James Reeves
The sea is a hungry dog, Giant and grey. He rolls on the beach all day. With his clashing teeth and shaggy jaws Hour upon hour he gnaws
The rumbling, tumbling stones, And ‘Bones, bones, bones, bones!’
The giant sea-dog moans, Licking his greasy paws.
by John Foster
Listen to me children. Hear what I say. We’ve got to start recycling. It’s the only way To save this planet for future generationsThe name of the game is reclamation.
You’ve got to start recycling. You know it makes sense. You’ve got to start recycling. Stop sitting on the fence. No more pussyfooting. No more claptrap. Get yourself doing the recycling rap.
by Langston Hughes
In time of silver rain
The earth Puts forth new life again, Green grasses grow And flowers lift their heads, And over all the plain The wonder spreads Of life, of life, of life!
by Laura Mucha
I’ve travelled the world in a boat on the sea, accompanied pirates and lived fancy free, I’ve seen all the things I have wanted to see – I did it by reading a book.
Year 3 and 4 pupils put on a fantastic production of The Wind in the Willows, bringing the beloved story to life with wonderful acting, colourful costumes, and lively songs.
From the mischievous Mr Toad and the rascally Weasels to the heartfelt friendship of the riverbank, the pupils shone on stage, captivating the audience with their energy and enthusiasm. The performance was filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable moments—a huge well done to all the cast and Miss Bee for directing the production.
Did somebody say Fiesta? Carnival came all the way from Rio de Janeiro into the Year 1 classroom.
Pupils showcased impressive creativity as they made bright and colourful masks inspired by the vibrancy of the Brazilian
Everyone
Carnival.
danced through School in their creations to the loud samba beat!
Stefanos
Saroop
Daniel
Nikhil
Tobi
Varun
Lani
Eesa
Finlay
Joseph
Cem
Kostya
Trip to Hampton Court Palace
Year 4 travelled all the way back to Tudor times on a fascinating visit to Hampton Court Palace. Pupils enjoyed exploring the historic gardens, imagining jousting matches in the Tiltyard and finding out about real tennis - the sport of kings.
Everyone loved learning about Tudor hygiene and the honour of scrubbing King Henry VIII’s clothes clean! It was great to see Year 4’s enthusiasm for History on show in such an iconic setting.
Year 2 soaked up our country’s history during a fascinating visit to Windsor Castle. The highlight of the day was the engaging ‘Queen Victoria: Dear Diary’ session, where the pupils enjoyed dressing up in a range of Victorian costumes.
Everyone marvelled at the grandeur of the State Apartments and were captivated by Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Visiting St George’s Chapel, pupils saw the Royal Vault where previous kings and queens are buried. It was a memorable day of learning and discovery.
We threw some quick-fire questions at Head of English Miss Lizzie Allott:
Have you always been a teacher?
Nearly. I ran a charity Christmas card shop after I graduated from university and then worked in a tuition centre for a short time before becoming a teacher.
What inspired you to go into teaching?
And what made you choose Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep?
My parents are both teachers and were always passionate about helping children when I was growing up. I love learning myself and enjoy sharing that with others, but mostly because children are so funny, and every day is different. I chose Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep because of the friendly nature of the School, the kind staff, and the pupils who are willing to be challenged.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I get to read every day and talk about punctuation! What’s not to love?
When you’re not busy as a teacher, what are your favourite pastimes?
I’m currently training to run my first ever marathon in Brighton. I love to read but I also love cryptic crosswords, playing music (I’m learning the drums), spending time with my family and friends, and going to the theatre.
What words of wisdom would you pass on to your younger self?
You can do hard things.
Who in the public eye inspires you?
Elizabeth Day. She is an author, journalist, podcaster and inspirational woman who strives to make the world a better place by giving people a voice to share their stories.
What is an inspiring quote that you live by?
As a huge Harry Potter fan, it is from the wise, old Headmaster Albus Dumbledore:
“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
Members of the Pre-Prep team tackled The Royal Marsden’s Jog 40 Miles in January challenge in memory of our dear friend and colleague, Mrs Gellner-Ward.
We were delighted to raise over £4,000 to support the incredible work of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Mr Addis also took on a half marathon for the same cause, raising a further £700. Altogether, our combined efforts have raised a wonderful £4,766. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who generously supported us!
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 50°C and line a baking sheet with baking parchment.
Step 2
Mix together two cups of flour and one cup of salt in a large bowl. Add one cup of water and stir. You can finish bringing it together with your hands if needed.
Step 3
Roll out the dough to ½ cm thickness and cut it into shapes. Perhaps Easter eggs, baskets, bunnies or chicks!
Step 4
Don’t forget to make a hole in each shape so you can hang the ornaments - a straw works perfectly!
Step 5
Place the salt dough Easter shapes on the parchment-covered baking sheet and bake for about an hour and a half until solid.
Step 6
Once the Easter shapes are baked and thoroughly cooled - it’s painting time! You could even use some glitter to make them extra sparkly. Loop the string or ribbon through each hole and you’re ready to hang - just in time for Easter!
