THE PADUA PRESS REFLECTS THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR PUPILS OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS
WELCOME FROM THE HEAD
Welcome to the summer term edition of the Padua Press! What a jam-packed and joyful term it has been at Leweston Prep From the impressive house spirit shown at our annual Swimming Gala and Sports Day, to the imaginative and adventurous activities in Forest School, our pupils have thrown themselves into every opportunity with enthusiasm and energy
We are also delighted to share the exciting announcement of the expansion of our Early Years provision from September 2025, which will allow even more young learners to begin their Leweston journey in a nurturing, inspiring environment In addition, the new on-site equestrian centre has opened up a world of opportunity for our pupils, offering everything from riding lessons to stable management and pony care further enriching the breadth of experiences available here
Time and again, our pupils continue to amaze us with their talents, attitudes, and achievements, all the while building upon and showcasing the core characteristics of a Leweston Learner: confident, creative, inquisitive, resilient, and adventurous
We often say that there’s a new adventure every day at Leweston Prep – and I believe this edition of the Padua Press highlights exactly why. I hope you enjoy reading about all that has made this term so special
Richard Thompson
SAILING SAILING
pThisSummerTerm,LewestonPrep wupilshavewellandtrulymadewaves iththeirsailingachievements,showing scourage,determination,andimpressive killonthewater.
SThirty-sixPrep5pupilstookontheirRYA Ctage1sailingcourseatRockleyWatersports entreinPoole.Formany,itwastheirfirst —timesailing,buttheyembracedthechallenge learningboathandling,sailingtheoryand tterminology.Despitesometrickyweather, thepupilsshowedgreatdeterminationand reamwork,endingtheweekwitha100%pass ate!
aFourpupils–MiloG,SamuelP,OliverB IndNicoF–representedLewestonatthe aAPSNationalSailingRegattainPortland ftercompletingtheirRYAStartRacing
course.Althoughracingwas 2disruptedbylowwind,ourtwocrewsfinished17thand a1stoutof34,withastrong10thplaceinthefinalrace ttemptbyOliverandNico.
cFinally,twenty-fivePrep6pupilsandtwofromPrep5 PompletedRYAcoursesattheAndrewSimpsonCentrein 1ortland,sailinginOlympicwatersandagainachievinga 00%successrate. mAhugewelldonetoalloursailorsthisterm–youhave adeusproud!
INSPIRINGYOUNG MINDSINSPIRINGYOUNG MINDS
aThePrephasbeenbuzzingwithenergythankstoourwide-ranging dndexcitingafter-schoolandlunchtimeactivityprogramme— mesignedtosupportbusyfamiliesandinspirecurious,activeyoung inds.
eFromkickboxingtocraftclub,pupilshavestayedactive,creative,and cngagedlongaftertheschooldayends.Whetherbuildingselfgonfidencethroughmartialartsorexpressingcreativitywithpaint, ilue,andimagination,therehasbeensomethingtosparkevery nterest.
bAparticularhighlighthasbeenourcricketsessions,heldinthe ceautifulsurroundingsoftheWalledGarden.Usingourdedicated sricketnets,pupilshavebeendevelopingtheirbowlingandbatting Tkillswithimpressivefocus,teamwork,andenthusiasm. Chistermalsointroducedanexcitingnewaddition:Skateboard Slub!LedbyRichardPughofthePoole-basedSkateboarding school,pupilsfromYears3to6haveeagerlytakenpartinlunchtime aessions,learningbalance,coordination,andperseverancein wfun,supportivesetting.Asalways,it’sbeen donderfultoseepupilstryingnewthings, hevelopingnewskills,andmostimportantly avingfun!
VISIT FROMLOCAL MP VISIT FROM LOCAL MP
WeweredelightedtowelcomeWestDorsetMP
EdwardMorelloforanengagingvisitthatbrought politicstolifeforourpupils.
EdwardbeganhisvisitbymeetingwiththePrepSchoolCouncilTeam, wherepupilsimpressedhimwiththeirthoughtfulquestionsonarangeof importanttopicsincludingtheenvironment,theBetterPlanetSchools initiative,homelessness,howParliamentoperates,andtheresponsibilitiesof anMP ThelivelydiscussionofferedabrilliantopportunityforLeweston’s youngleaderstodiscoverhowtheirvoicesandideascancontribute toreal-worldchange.
BETTER PLANETCREWBETTER PLANET CREW
Theeco-consciousextra-curriculargroup,theBetterPlanetCrew,hostedasuccessful‘PopUp’shopeventtocelebrateandsharetheireffortsinpromotingnatureandbiodiversity. Thechildrenhavebeenworkingtirelesslythroughoutthetermtoimprovethenatural environmentaroundthegrounds.Theirprojectshaveincludedplantingavarietyofseedsand plants,installingahedgehoghome,andconstructinginsecttowerstoencouragelocalwildlife tothrive.
Eagertoshowcasetheirachievementsandinspireothers,theCrewcreatedaneventfeaturing handmadeandhomegrownitemssuchas‘MagicalWildSeed’andvegetableseedpackets, ‘ReadytoGoWild’plantingpots,andvibrantsunflowerplants.Theeventwaswellattended bypupils,staff,andfamilies,allkeentosupporttheinitiative Alldonationsreceivedfromthepop-upshopwillbereinvestedintotheclubtohelpgrow anddevelopitsvisionforagreener,morebiodiverseschoolenvironment.Thesuccessofthe eventstandsasatestamenttothepassion,creativity,andcommitmentofthepupilsinvolved youngenvironmentalchampionsmakingarealdifference.
PREP 6 PREP 6
Prep6pupilshadafantastictimeontheir residentialtriptoNorthDevon,celebratingtheir finalterminPrepwiththreedaysofadventureand team-building.
KickingoffthetripintheirLeavers’hoodies,they tookpartinactivitiesincludingsurfing, coasteering,waterchallenges,buggybuilding, mountainboarding,andeveningcampfires.The experiencewasawonderfulwaytobuild confidence,strengthenfriendships,andmake lastingmemoriesastheyprepareforthenext stageoftheirschooljourney.
PREP 5 PREP 5
Prep5enjoyedanaction-packedresidentialtripto MillontheBrue,Bruton.
Throughouttheirstay,pupilsembracedawiderange ofchallenges fromclimbingandcanoeingto tunnelling,shooting,andthethrillingLeapofFaith.
Highlightsincludedblindfoldedproblem-solving activitiesthattestedtheircommunication,trust,and teamwork.
Eveningsbroughttimetoreflectandunwindwith scenicwalksandwell-deservedhotchocolates.Yum!
sThegroundswerefilledwithmusicand PunshineaspupilsfromPre-Schoolthroughto arep2tooktothestageforthehighly WnticipatedannualPre-PrepConcert.
ithproudparentsandfamiliesinattendance, ptheyoungperformersdeliveredadelightful mrogrammethatshowcasednotonlytheir usicalabilitiesbutalsotheearlypromiseofthe StalentthatcontinuestoflourishintheSenior chool.
hTheconcertwasacelebrationofthechildren’s cardworkandgrowingconfidence,anditwas alearthatthefoundationsofmusicalexcellence erebeinglaidfromtheverystartoftheir ducation.
wSpecialthankswereextendedtoMrsBetley, dhosededicationtothechildren’smusical ievelopmentandmeticulousplanningwere Tnstrumentalinbringingthejoyfuleventtolife. heafternoonendedwithheartfeltapplauseand psmilesallaround—atruetestamenttothe Lowerofmusicandthevibrantspiritofthe ewestoncommunity.
ROCK BOTTOM ROCK BOTTOM
PupilsfromPrep3toPrep6dazzledaudienceswiththeirlivelyand entertainingperformanceof‘RockBottom’,aprehistoric-themedmusical packedwithhumour,music,andplentyofStoneAgestyle. TheproductionsawouryoungcastbringtheStoneAgetolifewith colourfulcostumes,energeticchoreography,andconfidentperformances thatlitupthestage.Fromwittyone-linerstotoe-tappingmusicalnumbers, theshowwasaroaringsuccessandatestamenttothepupils'hardworkand creativity.
Playingamusicalinstrumentatschool offersawiderangeofbenefits,both academicallyandpersonally.Itnotonly enrichestheeducationalexperiencebut providesnumerouslifelongskillsthat extendwellbeyondtheclassroom. DirectorofMusic,DrMilestone,shared hertop10reasonswhyyoushouldlearn amusicalinstrumentaspartofour SchoolBlog.Benefitsrangefrom cognitivedevelopmenttostressrelief. Readthemallhere.
TheSummerTermhasbeenavibrantshowcaseofcreativity,as pupilsimmersedthemselvesinimaginativeandhistorically inspiredartprojects. Prep4wereespeciallyexcitedtocollecttheircompletedViking clayfacesjustbeforehalfterm—eachoneauniquecreation burstingwithpersonalityandflair.Inaddition,theyhavealso beenexploringAncientEgyptthroughart,designingembossed panelsinthestyleoftraditionalEgyptianreliefs.
OverinPrep5,historyhasalsobeenacentraltheme.Pupils havebeenstudyingthepowerfulwartimedrawingsofBritish artistHenryMoore,knownforhisevocativedepictionsoflifein airraidsheltersduringWorldWarII.InspiredbyMoore’s distinctivestyle,thechildrenexperimentedwithvariousmedia torecreatetheexpressiveandemotionaldepthofhiswork. Thetermhasprovidedrichopportunitiesforpupilstoconnect withthepastthroughartisticexpressionwhiledevelopingkey skillsintechnique,observation,andcreativity
Ourpupilshaveenjoyedaseriesofexcitingandeducationaltrips, bringing learning to life beyond the classroom and sparking curiositythroughhands-onexperiences.
Prep 2 ventured to Moors Valley, where they spent the day immersedinnature.Fromponddipping wheretheydiscovered newts, dragonfly larvae, and more to exploring meadows on a minibeasthunt,thetripwaspackedwithdiscoveryandfreshair.
Prep4headedtoMagdalen Farmforadayofoutdoorlearning andmuddyadventures.Thepupilslovedriverdipping,especially whenafewwelliesfilledwithwater,toeveryone’sdelight!They also explored the working farm, feeding animals and learning about their diets and daily routines. The trip ended with an exciting orienteering challenge, putting their teamwork and navigationskillstothetest
Meanwhile, Prep 3 took a step back in time with a visit to Sherborne Museum, followed by a peaceful afternoon at Black ShedFlowers.Atthemuseum,pupilsengagedinapicturehunt, uncovering fascinating artefacts from the Stone Age, Roman Britain, and the Victorian era. Their enthusiasm and thoughtful questionsimpressedstaffthroughout Afterward,theyenjoyeda relaxing picnic lunch among blooming flowers a calm and colourfulendtotheday.
From muddy boots to museum artefacts, this term’s trips have offered a wonderful blend of fun, learning, and adventure enrichingthecurriculumandcreatingmemoriestolastalifetime.
TheSummerTermalsosawahostofexcitingvisitorsandworkshops thathavebroughtlessonstolifeacrosstheyeargroups
Prep6hadtheuniqueopportunitytodiveintoShakespearewithavisit fromCharlieatWestEndinSchools.Inadynamicworkshopcentredon theircurrentfocustext,RomeoandJuliet,pupilsperformedtheentire play,breakingatkeymomentstoexplorethedeepermeaningbehind thelanguage Charliealsosharedinsightsfromhisownexperiencesin professional Shakespearean productions, leaving pupils inspired and newlyconfidentintacklingclassictexts.
ForPrep4,thetermincludedaseriesofBikeabilitymorningsessions, wherepupilslearnedessentialcyclingandroadsafetyskills.Fromhelmet and brake checks to understanding traffic awareness and proper dismounting,thesessionswereafantasticwaytobuildindependence, confidence,andlifelongsafetyhabits
ThePre-Prepgardenwasfullofexcitementwhenalambcametovisit. The children loved asking questions and were thrilled to have the chanceforagentlecuddle.
Prep3welcomedDrHeatonforanengaging,hands-onsciencesession aspartoftheirTopicwork.Pupilsexploredgreenstickfractures,learned how joints move, and even dressed as surgeons while handling real medicalequipment
Prep1hadathrillingvisitfromMrBlandy,whosharedstoriesfromhis time in the police force. Pupils listened intently, asked thoughtful questions,andeagerlytriedonpolicehatsanduniformitems.Testing outbatonsandhandcuffsbroughtgreatexcitement andperhapseven inspiredafewfutureofficers!
Thisterm’svisitorshaveofferedinvaluablereal-world insightsthathavesparkedcuriosity, creativity,andconfidencethroughoutthe PrepSchool.
KeengeographersfromPrep5and6participatedintheBig GeographyQuizattheSeniorSchool,joiningYears7and8 inafuneveningofcompetition Studentsworkedinmixedageteamstoanswerquestionsaboutcapitals,flags,andmap reading, enhancing their geographical knowledge. Additionally,Prep6showcasedtheirscientificcreativitywith original entries for the British Science Week poster competition,submittingthetopfiveposterstothenational contest!
A TREASURE FILLED ADVENTURE A TREASURE FILLED ADVENTURE
Receptionhadamagicaltimecelebratingtheir MermaidandPirateWowDay,inspiredbytheir learningtopic,StrengthofMind,andthebeloved storyTheNightPirates.Thedaywasacelebration ofbravery,individuality,andaspiritofadventure! Dressedaspirates,mermaids,andevenshimmering waves,thechildren’scostumeswereanimpressive showcaseofimagination.
Theadventurekickedoffwithatreasurehunt aroundthePrepSchoolgrounds.Cluesledour eagerexplorersfromonediscoverytothenext, ultimatelyrevealingasparklingchestbrimming withglitteringtreasuregems!
Throughouttheday,thefuncontinuedwitha rangeofhandson themedactivities
PREP 5 TIME TRAVEL TO THE 1940S PREP 5 TIME TRAVEL TO THE 1940S
Prep4hadafantastictimecelebratingtheirAncientEgyptWOW Day,madeextraspecialbyawonderfulparentmorning.
Pupils arrived in brilliant Egyptian-themed costumes and were thrilledtowelcomefamilymembersintotheclassroomforthefirst partoftheday.Together,childrenandparentsexploredarangeof creative activities, including hieroglyphic writing, clay modelling, painting,andmakingdecorativeEgyptiancollars.
Children chose their favourite crafts and worked alongside their parents to bring their ideas to life. It was a joy to see so many smiles, and to hear parents share how much they enjoyed the experience.
RECORD BREAKING MOMENTS AT SPORTS DAY
This year ’ s Sports Day showcased incredible team spirit and achievements, with pupils breaking numerous records and embracinginclusivityinacelebrationofcommunityandeffort.
Our Pre-Prep pupils kicked off the morning with energy and enthusiasm,followedbythePrepstudentsintheafternoon.Every pupilgavetheirallfortheirHouse,embracinginclusivityalongthe way standoutmomentsincludedthewheelchairraces,ensuring everyone could take part, and the much-loved Prep Buddy race. CongratulationstoourwinningHouse,StAnne’s,andtoallour record-breakers!
PUPILS MAKE A SPLASH AT THIS YEAR’S SWIMMING GALA
The Gala this year highlighted the pupils’ impressive swimming skills, and fostered school spirit with enthusiastic support from staff and families.
The Pre- Prep Swimming Showcase saw Reception to Prep 2 demonstrate their aquatic abilities, from masteringbreaststroketechniquestoperfectingtheirbackstroke,theyoungswimmersshowedremarkable progressandconfidenceinthewater.TheexcitementcontinuedwiththePrepSwimmingGala,where pupils from Prep 3 to 6 competed in a series of races. The event featured both impressive individual performancesandstrongdisplaysofteamwork,particularlyduringtheHouserelays. Cheeringechoedaroundthepoolaspupilsenthusiasticallysupportedtheirpeersfromthesidelines,creatinganelectricatmosphereofencouragementandcamaraderie
EXCITING OPPORTUNTIES AT OUR ON-SITE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
The introduction of our on-site equestrian centre in November2024,hasopenedthestabledoorstoawealthof new opportunities for our pupils including riding lessons and hands-on yard experience bringing equestrianeducationrighttotheheartofschoollife
As part of these new offerings, our Saddle Club Activity Morning focused on preparing horses for shows and competitions. Pupils learned key grooming techniques, washingtails,oilinghooves,andcarefullybrushingcoatsto agleamingfinish.
Amajorhighlightwaslearningtoplaitmanes afirstfor many of the children While it requires patience and practice, the group approached the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. With final touches like quartermarksandpolishedbridles,pupilswerethenguided throughtheskillofshowingahorse‘inhand’.
Thehorseslookedspectacularandweretheperfectpatient models,clearlyenjoyingtheextraattention
Thisnewequestrianprogrammeisalreadyprovingahugely popularandenrichingadditiontoschoollife,givingpupils a unique chance to build confidence, learn responsibility, anddevelopalifelongloveofhorses.
EQUESTRIAN SUCCESS IN
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
CongratulationstoTillyinPrep6,whoachievedoutstandingsuccess onthenationalequestrianstagethisyear.
CompetingattheprestigiousNSEAChampionships,Tillyrepresentedtheschoolwithprideand determination.Ridingherpony,Moon,shehelpedherteamsecure2ndplaceinboththeNational County Show Jumping Championships (70–75cm) and the highly competitive 80–85cm Show JumpingatAddington aremarkableachievementatthislevelofcompetition.
Tilly’sindividualperformancewasequallyimpressive,witha3rdplacefinishinthe70–75cmwarmupclass,showcasingherskill,confidence,andthestrongpartnershipshehasdevelopedwithMoon.
LEWESTON PREP CELEBRATES NATIONAL BIATHLE CHAMPION
WewereproudtohavenineamazingathletesrepresentingtheschoolacrossagegroupsfromPrep3 toYear10attheNationalSchoolsBiathle,hostedatLewestonon18May
With over 180 competitors from schools nationwide, the event was packed with exciting, closely foughtraces.TheBiathle–arun-swim-runchallenge–testedbothspeedandendurance,andour teamrosetotheoccasionbrilliantly.
SpecialshoutoutstoourPrepSchoolmedalwinners:
ElenaFL(Prep4)–NationalChampion!
ElizabethD(Prep5)–Silver
Thistermwewere delightedtoannounce someexcitingchanges forchildreninNursery andReceptionclass
InSeptember2025,LewestonwillopenadedicatedEarlyYearsUnitforthe oldestNurserychildrenandthoseinReception.Housedinadjacent,newly refurbishedclassroomswithdirectoutdooraccess,thespacewillsupporta smoothtransitionfromNurserytoPrep. Pre-SchoolchildrenwillbenefitfromgreaterintegrationwithReception, morefocusedlearning,andaccesstoPrepSchoolfacilitiessuchasthetennis courtsandridingacademy Receptionpupilswillenjoytheirownclassroom andgarden,allowingforuninterruptedoutdoorlearningandcontinued developmentofconfidenceandmaturity.
TheunitwillbeledbyMissLaurenBlundell,an experiencedEarlyYearsspecialistwithastrongbackgroundinplay-basedlearningandtheEYFScurriculum Herexpertisein music,drama,andtheatrewillfurtherenrichthecurriculum.
Tomarkthelaunch,wehavestartedtohostaseriesof‘EarlyYearsEdition’LewestonLecturesforparents, coveringtopicssuchassleepandnutrition.Anewtimetableoftoddlergroupshasalsobeenintroduced, includingPonySessions,ForestSchool,andAquatots.
PALS SUMMER FAIR
Abigthankyoutoeveryonewhojoinedus for the PALS Summer Fair a fantastic event filled with fun, sunshine, and school spirit.
ItwaswonderfultoseethewholeLeweston community come together to enjoy live music, garden games, face painting, and, of course,themuch-lovedLewestonDogShow. A special well done to our students, who helped run the stalls with energy and enthusiasm, making the day a memorable successforall
VEDAY
Pupilstookpartincelebrationstomarkthe 80th anniversary of VE Day. They enjoyed creatingtheirownUnionJackflags,watching a short clip of the flypast and listening to some of the music from the military bands They discussed the significance of VE Day and what it meant for people at the time, focusing on the themes of peace and celebration. It was a lovely opportunity for themtoreflectonthepastandtakepartina momentofnationalremembrance
tSpeechDayandEndofTermPrizeGivingwasa Irulyspecialevent—fullofemotion,pride,andjoy. ctwaswonderfultowelcomefriendsandfamilyto pelebratetheenormousachievementsofouramazing upils.
aAhugewelldonetoPrep6,whospokesobeautifully andconfidentlyaboutallthatwehaveaccomplished saschoolthisyear.Youmadeussoproud!
PRE-PREP HIT THE BEACH!
Pre-Prep pupils enjoyed a memorable trip to the seaside The children spent the day building sandcastles, paddling in the sea, andtakingpartinanengagingtalkfromthelocallifeguard team.
Thelifeguardssharedvaluableinformationabout stayingsafeatthebeach,whichthepupilslistened towithgreatinterest Thevisitcombinedfun andlearning,creatingawonderfulexperienceto roundoffthesummerterm.
CELEBRATING PREP 6 LEAVERS
Aswecometotheendof afantasticsummertermatLeweston Prep,wereflectonaseasonfilledwith incredibleachievements,joyfulmoments,and enrichingexperiences.Fromacademic successestocreativeprojectsandoutdoor adventures,thistermhasbeenoneto remember.Theskills,friendships,and memoriesmadewillstaywithourpupilslong beyondthisacademicyear,andwelook forwardtoseeingalltheycontinuetoachieve inthefuture
