Ps 2024
As another edition of our wonderful PS Magazine rolls around, it is with particular joy that I welcome you to these pages. This year, we observed a significant milestone in The Paragon’s journey: our 40th birthday! It has been a remarkable four decades since our arrival on Lyncombe Vale, filled with learning, laughter and happy childhood memories, and this year has held much of the same for the Paragon children of 2024.
Celebrating our anniversary has not only been a time for reflection but also an opportunity to look forward. We commenced a major building and landscape project aimed at securing the future sustainability of The Paragon and everything it offers. Our plans will help us to enhance our facilities, expand our learning spaces and, perhaps most importantly for that magical Paragon experience, provide even more enriching opportunities for the children in our beautiful grounds. I am deeply grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm shown by our community thus far in supporting this project,
Welcome Contents
and look forward to sharing more about it as our plans progress.
As you peruse the pages of PS Magazine, you will find highlights of the year, showcasing the achievements, creativity and enthusiasm of our pupils. Each story reflects the spirit, determination and magic that define our school. Together, we are building a bright future for the children, forging lifelong memories and inspiring the next generation. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.
Rosie Allen Head, The Paragon School
Clubs
With an exciting all-year-round programme of extra-curricular clubs, each child from Reception to Year 6 can explore a range of new activities and interests during their time at The Paragon. This year, after a popular pitch from the girls,
Taylor Swift Club made its debut along with Ultimate Frisbee Club, Young Innovators Club and Nature Club. From chess to LEGO, science to sewing, cross country to football, ballet to orchestra, it is wonderful to see how the pupils develop skills and enjoy continuing their learning outside the classroom.
Squirrels
It has been a very happy and exciting year in Squirrels, filled with wonder and investigation, both indoors and in the surrounding woodland.
A highlight for us this year was exploring our place in the world and time, learning about how we share our planet with others by examining different climates and countries.
We embarked on a week-long journey to South Africa with Mrs Donn, gaining first-hand knowledge about her culture and traditions. We learned about the famous wildlife, the beautiful mix of beaches, mountains and savannas, and how various groups of people speak different languages, including Zulu
and Afrikaans. The children enjoyed dressing in colourful traditional clothing, dancing and trying to balance fruit baskets on their heads.
The children also explored Mrs Crane’s home country, Australia. They discovered facts about the landscape, including the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef and the diverse ecosystems. The children loved hearing stories about the iconic wildlife and spiders, and were introduced to Aboriginal stories, even trying their hand at creating their own Aboriginal paintings.
Reception R
A year in Reception has led us on lots of adventures, enabling us to learn in many different ways across all areas of the curriculum. In a busy year of learning, we had so many highlights. Here are a few of our favourites…
We travelled ‘Around the World’ in the Autumn Term, exploring many different cultures and animals, from the icy Polar regions to the sunshine Down Under. Parent visitors came to share their experiences, and we ate foods and compared similarities and differences to where we live.
We also welcomed ‘People who Help Us’, including many experts – from dentists to surgeons and the Emergency Services – who came to talk to us about the important jobs they do and show us how we can keep ourselves safe and healthy.
We created some fantastic junk models, honing our DT skills and using our imaginations.
Our first school trip took us to see The Snow Mouse at the theatre. We were so excited to travel into town by bus and watch an interactive play about kindness and friendship.
We enjoyed travelling a mile around the playground in an active Maths lesson, recording our distance and challenging ourselves to do our best.
And finally, a visit to Bath City Farm enabled us to experience first-hand how to care for animals and how to grow our own fruit and vegetables.
Year1
Year 1 started the year with a train adventure to Trowbridge Museum to learn about toys from the past. The children engaged enthusiastically in Victorian table-top games such as bagatelle and shove ha’penny, and made a thaumatrope.
We rocketed into Science Week, learning all about Neil Armstrong and his mission. We made and tested out paper straw rockets and enjoyed tasting space ice-cream - the banana flavour was a hit! Our trip into the planetarium was awe-inspiring. Shortly after, we sailed into the Scottish Isles to learn about the young, brave Grace Darling.
The One Day Creative company led Year 1 in an immersive experience about the Victorian lighthouse keeper’s daughter through role play and storytelling. The children then furthered their sailing journey to Antarctica, to acquire knowledge on the explorations of Ernest Shackleton. We were fortunate to be joined by parent Kate Measures, who delivered a hands-on
workshop about the ups and downs of Shackleton’s journey. Real photographs were analysed and brought to life through drama.
In addition to all our wonderful travels, we walked on foot to Alexandra Park to try out different types of playground equipment as part of our DT project. The roundabout was very popular and the children enjoyed designing and making their own play park collaboratively with their friends.
After journeying around the world, we found ourselves back in The Paragon hall for the Queen Elizabeth Day tea party, where we served homemade fruit kebabs to grandparents, and board games and books were shared.
A wonderful Year 1 has been had, full of exploration and individual growth.
Year2
“This has
been a year of thriving independence, newfound maturity, and unforgettable experiences.”
This has been a year of thriving independence, new-found maturity and unforgettable experiences. We have witnessed pupils’ blossoming confidence, especially during the nativity play, where new stars were born on stage.
The children particularly enjoyed our wonderful grounds and many outdoor learning adventures in them. They were very enthusiastic about creating the life cycle of a frog out of clay! And who could forget the fun of building our own fires, toasting marshmallows and making damper bread.
One of the highlights in Humanities was our project on Tudor houses, where pupils built replicas out of cereal boxes. This hands-on activity culminated in a dramatic recreation of the Great Fire of London, with the houses being burnt in the woods.
Our trip to the STEAM Museum in Swindon was an exciting excursion by train, and the children were fascinated by the locomotives of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Our LifeSkills Day was a significant event, where the children were visited by the Police. They were thrilled to see the sirens in action and learn valuable lessons about safety. The older students took pride in presenting their skills to Year 2, teaching them how to respond in emergencies.
In English, one of the highlights of the year was when the children followed instructions to create delicious smoothies. Maths lessons were never more enjoyable than when making (and eating!) fractions out of pancakes and watermelon.
We had the unique opportunity to observe the metamorphosis of a caterpillar during Science in the Summer Term. The joy and wonder on the children’s faces as they released the butterfly into the Paragon School grounds was truly magical.
Year3
What a wonderful and varied time we have had in Year 3.
We learned all about the Romans and visited our fabulous local resource, the Roman Baths, where we created mosaics, dressed up, became archaeologists, dug up artefacts and participated in a treasure hunt for Roman architecture. History lessons were an exciting time for our two classes, and we loved our Anglo-Saxon day. We fought battles, had a clan witan and explored historical sources.
Science was another firm favourite for Year 3 this year. We recreated the rock cycle with Starburst sweets, exploring the steps and forces that work on rocks over time.
When investigating the human body, we learned about the advancement in prosthetics and created our own bionic hands. While studying light, we produced sunglasses with differentcoloured lenses to investigate which was most effective at blocking out the sun.
We celebrated a year of discovery by having fun at Bath’s minigolf course, followed by a picnic and ice cream in the park!
Year4
Year 4 at The Paragon is filled with adventure, discovery and handson learning experiences that ignite curiosity within our pupils. Here are just a few of our favourite highlights.
In February, we worked together to put on a play for the school and parents. Superhero Challenge (written by Mrs Allen’s mum!) was based in ancient Greece, and our story saw the Greek gods put forward their favourite heroes to fight for immortality on Mount Olympus. Pupils honed their lines
and singing and dancing skills, and learnt about some fantastic mythological figures along the way.
Our May visit to No. 1 Royal Crescent in Bath brought history alive for the year group, offering a window into 18th-century life. As the children toured the elegant rooms and learned about the people who lived there, they gained a deeper appreciation for history and heritage. The visit provided an immersive historical experience, allowing the children to dress up in
traditional Georgian attire and write a dinner invitation with ink and a feather quill.
Our residential week to Mill on the Brue was a fantastic adventure for all – we camped in groups, worked in teams, challenged ourselves, shared experiences and tasty meals, roasted marshmallows, drank hot chocolate, overcame fears and forged new friendships. You can read all about this on pages 18 and 19.
Year5
“It’s the children’s own journeys that have made Year 5 such a special year”
Year 5 had a jam-packed, fun-filled year of learning. Adding to their already rich curriculum, they have learned Mandarin taught by Ms Main from Prior Park College, had the opportunity to philosophise with Ms Perrin and enjoyed two sports afternoons every week.
We sang our hearts out at Young Voices in Birmingham, joining thousands of children from all over the UK. In English, we’ve experienced press conferences, a Speakers’ Corner, peaceful protests and used our grounds to inspire figurative language and compose poetry.
We’ve explored percentages with skittles, scribbled over our desks
to experiment with angles, and ensured our Maths curriculum is designed to meet all learning styles. Our budding scientists have designed fair tests across a range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics, making links to the wider curriculum and using their new knowledge to predict and draw conclusions.
Our Humanities topics have taken us to Victorian museums and the North Wessex Downs, and two exciting days were spent at Prior Park College with their Design & Technology team and STEAM teachers, inspiring, inventing and exploring.
However, it’s the children’s own
journeys that have made Year 5 such a special year. While we’re busy acquiring new knowledge and skills, we’re possibly busier still learning to be independent and resilient, kind and responsible, and developing communication and collaborative skills that will be used far beyond the years at The Paragon.
Year6
Being at the top of the school is such an exciting time. This is the year when our pupils take on important roles of responsibility, becoming Prefects, open morning tour guides, House Captains and Heads of School and specialist subjects.
Year 6 is filled with hard work and dedication to our studies; however we also enjoyed some truly exciting adventures together. These forged friendships and fond memories of The Paragon which will hopefully stay with us for the rest of our lives. Here are just a few…
For Harvest Festival and Easter, we delivered a minibus of food donations and gifts for young families to our QE Day partners,
St Martin’s Garden Community Pantry and The Nest Project.
We visited Lansdown Battlefield in January for a history walk, learning about the English Civil War, and then we visited Bristol for a guided tour, given by our very own Mr Isherwood.
In May, we embarked upon our week-long French trip, which was full of camaraderie and adventure. When we returned, we were lucky to be given the opportunity to meet Stan Ford, a 99-year-old veteran at a special service commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. A few of us even appeared on BBC Points West talking about our interview with him.
We honed our performance skills, participating in Drama Fortnight in June, and put on Aladdin Trouble with two casts in the Julian Slade Theatre at Prior Park College.
We took a bike ride to Wellow, following the scenic route of the Two Tunnels and stopping for ice-creams midway. We then received our leavers’ hoodies and yearbooks, which made leaving for secondary school even more real.
In our final week, we buried our time capsule, featuring memories of our time at school, and then performed FAME! as our leavers’ song at the Picnic Prom on the last day of term. Despite the rain, it was a fun and happy ending to a brilliant year and a celebration of us!
Year 4 residential at Mill on the Brue
One of the highlights of Year 4 is the residential trip to Mill on the Brue in Bruton. The children had a fantastic time embracing a variety of activities, such as navigating the assault course, grass tobogganing, and whizzing down a zip-wire.
These exciting experiences helped our young Paragon adventurers develop resilience and cooperation skills that will serve them throughout their lives. For many, it was also their first opportunity to spend two nights away from home- a milestone that brought much excitement.
We were incredibly proud of how the children embraced everything that was offered to them, making it a memorable adventure for all.
Year 5 residential at Osmington Bay
Year 5 once again returned to the South Coast this year to soak up the May sunshine at Osmington Bay. This PGL activity centre, perched on the Jurassic Coast and overlooking the picturesque Weymouth Bay, provided the children with a non-stop, actionpacked week of adventure. Comfort zones were well and truly pushed past through an array of activities like zip-wire, abseiling and a high-wire Jacob’s ladder.
The children also developed new skills through archery, orienteering and team problem-solving games. We were even lucky enough to head down to the 2012 Olympic sailing centre at Portland Marina to try our hands at dragon-boating. We were well and truly blessed by the weather while in Dorset, which ensured that the highlight for many was a beautiful afternoon hunting for fossils down on the centre’s private beach.
Year 6 French trip to Normandy
Monday
Even though it was 3am, everyone was pumped and ready to go. After lugging massive suitcases on to the coach (I don’t think anyone listened to Mr Ish’s ‘one small suitcase’ rule) we set off. We had a long six hours on the ferry, then when in France at our château, we found our dorms, had a threecourse supper and went to bed.
Tuesday
The next day was all about food. We woke up early, had breakfast and set off to a caramel factory. We had a few tasters and learnt about the history of the company. We spent some money on caramel popcorn and then left to go to a goat’s cheese farm. At the farm we played with the goats, held a baby goat and had some cheese tasters. In the afternoon we went to a snail farm!
Wednesday
Wednesday was fun. We went to Bayeux Abbey, which was nice, but then we went to the market, which was soooo nice. The man selling crêpes couldn’t believe his luck when 50 kids came running at him holding their wallets! In the afternoon we went to Festyland where we went on lots of rides and ate a lot of churros.
Thursday
Thursday was eventful. Everyone was upset because it was our last day, but we held our heads up and went to Mont Saint-Michel. After what felt like 50 years, we made it up to the Abbey at the top of the island. In the evening back at the château we had a disco, jammed to Sophie EllisBextor and played footie with some Dutch kids!
Friday
Friday was very tiring. We packed our stuff and cried together because we didn’t want to leave, but we had a busy last day ahead. We went to E.Leclerc, which is a massive supermarket, and we also visited the war cemetery and the Bayeux Tapestry. Then we drove to the ferry port to make our way back. Everyone was very tired, but we had long-lasting memories in our minds.
Kiki McGregor
MontThursday:Saint-Michel
Art Year 4 Hockney Project
David Hockney-inspired perspective paintings were created by pupils in Year 4 using landscape images, oil pastels and acrylics on canvas using a special painting technique.
Visiting local landscape artist Annabel Menheneott worked with the children on the technique of using spatulas to create texture and mark-making. The finished pieces were displayed in the 40th Anniversary Exhibition in March for all to admire.
Art Year 6 Lowry Project
Year 6 worked on figurative drawing using small art mannequins. They learnt about the history of the artist LS Lowry and took photographs of buildings and architectural scenes in Bath. We then developed ideas around creating a cityscape using architecture and figures combined to create atmosphere. The classes looked in depth at the artist’s compositions, which tell the story of industrial life in Salford.
We investigated the work of several artists working around the theme of architecture and, using a range of drawing, collage and painting styles, the children combined photographic imagery, figures, animals and buildings to create dynamic canvases of their own city that created a sense of place.
British Science Week
In March, we took part in British Science Week, where our theme was none other than the vast and mysterious universe – SPACE! We had a week of exciting activities and events to help ignite curiosity, and spark a love for science in our young explorers.
At the beginning of the week, all students embarked on an immersive journey through the cosmos with a visit to our spectacular pop-up planetarium. It was a unique opportunity for our children to gaze at the stars, planets and galaxies right here within the school premises. Heartfelt thanks must go to the incredible PTA for making this celestial experience possible through their dedicated fundraising efforts.
Throughout the week, our Science lessons were transformed into cosmic adventures. Pre-Prep students investigated straw rockets, seeing how far they could shoot them, while Prep students
experimented with different materials to create the best heat shield for their chocolate rocket.
Finally, we were blown away by the number and quality of entries to our British Science Week competition. Students from across the school enjoyed making their own models on the theme of Space at Home – from a rocket that you could move across a space background using a magnet, to the use of painted lanterns to demonstrate how celestial bodies orbit around each other.
What a wonderful way to end a fabulous week of science.
Here are some of the winners of our Spacethemed Science Competition
French Philosophy
Language learning at The Paragon is never restricted to vocabulary and grammar rules, although those are essential components. From Nursery to Year 6, the children learn about certain aspects of French culture, to give them a better understanding of the people living on their ‘doorstep’. This is a snapshot of what the pupils learnt this year:
• Squirrels and Reception learnt about Les Jeux Olympiques, which was held in Paris this year. Did you know that French was the official language of this international sporting event?
• Year 1 and 2 learnt to play French playground school games.
• Year 3 learnt about French-style handwriting, which has to be adhered to by all pupils across France.
• Year 4 learnt about La Tour Eiffel and how it came to be a key symbol of France, despite an uncertain beginning.
• Year 5 have been communicating with French pupils from Pierrefeu-du-Var, South of France, via letters. They also learnt about French history through the role of La Résistance during WW2.
• Year 6 had a first-hand experience of France during their trip to Normandy, which was undoubtedly the highlight of the year. They also enjoyed a traditional French breakfast and deepened their understanding of ‘le petit déjeuner’. Furthermore, they acquainted themselves with the worldfamous Tour de France.
Unlike other subjects at The Paragon, where there is usually a specific learning objective, in Philosophy our weekly objective is always the same: to think deeply about the world that we live in. Inspired by local, national and international events, including a General Election, the Paris Olympics and World Book Day, what an exciting year of philosophising, head-scratching and debating it’s been!
Here are some of the thought-provoking questions we have reflected on this year, along with the events that inspired them:
? ? ? ? ?
What would the world be like without numbers? – inspired by our Maths Day.
If you could get rid of one emotion what would it be and why? – inspired by Children’s Mental Health Week.
What is the greatest gift you can give? – inspired by Chinese New Year. Will time ever come to an end? – inspired by 2024’s Leap Day. Why haven’t we found aliens yet? – inspired by Science Week.
Why are the words we speak important? – inspired by Anti-Bullying Week. Why do countries need leaders? – inspired by the General Election. Can a match or race ever be fair? – inspired by the Euros 2024.
youSo,whatdo think?
?
Celebrating literature at The Paragon
Our classrooms have buzzed with creativity, exploration and, of course, a deep love for language this year.
We kicked off the year with National Poetry Day, celebrating the theme of Refuge. The children poured their hearts into crafting beautiful poems, sharing their reflections and emotions with their peers.
World Book Day blossomed into a true literary celebration, and Shakespeare himself took centre stage in April, with two wonderful
performances by the Sky Blue Theatre Company in the Prep. The energy and wit of these performances ignited a passion for the Bard’s timeless works in our young audience.
Meanwhile, the Pre-Prep department embarked on a charming journey through the world of minibeasts. From The Bad-tempered Ladybird to The Woolly Bear Caterpillar, these curious creatures became the focus of a day filled with wonder and exploration.
Sport
We’ve had another great year of sport at The Paragon, from teaching the very youngest to pass a ball, to seeing our older years enjoying competing against other schools and representing the school in county tournaments.
Year 6 enjoyed an Olympic afternoon, where they received expert coaching from champions Amy Williams and Jason Gardener, and all Prep children attended multi-sport sessions organised and staffed by the Prior Park College Sports Department.
We introduced parkour in our PE lessons and focused on functional movement across all year groups. We look forward to using our new balance bikes next year in our Early Years classes, which will develop motor skills and coordination, and will hopefully encourage a love of cycling... all generously funded by the PTA and our Sports Champions Auction.
Our Games Captains share their favourite moments of 2023/24 here:
My favourite sporting highlight in my six years at The Paragon has to be playing in the U11A Hockey Tournament at Cricklade, when we took a mixed boys and girls team. I loved how we all worked well together as a team. I made some amazing memories of playing hockey with my friends.
My favourite moments were my first match as Games Captain and when we played in the U10A Rugby Tournament at Queen’s College in Taunton. I loved playing there because we played really well and won every game.
I really enjoyed the Olympic Afternoon at Bath University when we trained with Olympic champions Amy Williams and Jason Gardener. It was amazing! We also worked incredibly well together at the County Hockey Tournament at Clifton College.
One of my favourite sporting moments was playing mixed hockey, because we got to play with the girls and combine our strengths to make a ‘super team’. The County Hockey Tournament, when I had the opportunity to play up a year, was phenomenal as we beat the favourites Monkton and we made it to the West of England finals.
I loved playing for the U11A Hockey team at the Cricklade Tournament this year, when we took a mixed team of boys and girls. We were a very strong team and played really well. Although I didn’t enjoy having to be the goalkeeper facing penalty shuffles, I learnt a lot from the experience
My favourite sporting moment at The Paragon was competing in the British Schools Biathlon Finals. It was really good fun and I was very proud of how I performed. The run was amazing and the swim was epic! It was great racing against people from all over the country.
Phoebe M (Autumn – Hockey)
Marley M (Autumn – Rugby)
Isla B (Spring – Netball)
Freddie CJ (Spring – Hockey)
Neve T (Summer – Cricket and Athletics)
Max O (Summer – Cricket and Athletics)
Sports Day
We celebrated our annual Sports Day on 21st June. Supported by this year’s Games Captains, the Pre-Prep enjoyed their morning on the track, welcoming our parent audience and putting the skills that they have been honing in the Summer Term to the test .
In the afternoon, our four houses were at their competitive best, cheering on their peers, with Abbey pipping it to the post to receive the cup!
As a fantastic addition to the day, Mr Goodman had organised a Champions Auction of signed shirts and photographs, which raised an incredible £2,500 for the Head for Change charity and balance bikes for Pre-Prep.
Houses A year of healthy competition
Our four houses, Abbey, Crescent, Holburne and Milsom, threw themselves into every challenge given to them this year, and demonstrated what a wide range of talent there is among them.
There were, of course, the interhouse sports competitions, with different year groups emerging as
the winners, and, away from the sports field, rivalries continued with our annual Easter Egg Hunt, Pancake Race and much anticipated ‘Karoloke’.
However, this year, all house members also had the opportunity to make a difference in other ways. They joined in the Santa
Dash for Bath Mind, rode their bicycles for All Cycle Bath & West, and sold raffle tickets for our May Fayre Queen Elizabeth Day partners, Designability and Swallow.
Ably led by their House Captains, they truly exemplified our Paragon values.
House Captains Autumn Spring Summer
Drama The Paragon in the spotlight
Paragon drama has been in full swing this year.
In December, the Pre-Prep nativity Three Wise Women saw our youngest pupils on stage performing with great gusto as they told the story of wonder and pilgrimage with a twist on the original narrative.
Year 4 travelled back in time to ancient Greece in February for their play Superhero Challenge, where the Gods put forward their favourite heroes to fight for immortality on Mount Olympus. Odysseus, Heracles and Theseus retold stories of bravery, cunning and strength to impress their judges, and the clever script also taught the audience and performers some of the most popular traditional classical Greek tales.
Year 6 spent two weeks in July in the Julian Slade Theatre at Prior Park College, practising Aladdin Trouble for their end-of-year finale. With two talented casts, this was a panto extravaganza, and honed the acting, singing, dancing and backstage skills of our oldest pupils.
Pre-Prep
Year 4
Year 6
A year of musical creativity
It has been a year of hellos and goodbyes in the Music Lodge. We said goodbye to two fabulous teachers, Kate Courage (singing) and Pete O’Neill (drums), both going on to pursue other avenues. But we said hello to three inspiring and creative musicians from hugely different backgrounds.
The arrival of guitar teacher Jonathan England, classically trained soprano Bruna Figueiredo, and respected drummer and percussionist Dave Betts ensure that music at The Paragon is in safe hands!
The Lodge is always a hub of activity, and this year was no different. We continued with our Year 2 recorder programme, Year 3 string project, Year 4 put on a play and performed with Voices For Life at Bath Abbey, Year 5 attended a Young Voices concert in Birmingham, and Year 6 ended their tenure with a fabulous musical at Prior Park College.
Meanwhile, our music clubs have also been busy. ‘Sing Out’ continued their relationship with Bridgemead Care Home by singing for them in November. And in March, Joyful Noise came home with winners’ cups from the Mid-Somerset Festival.
The PTA have been truly kind to the Music Department this year. Thanks to their fundraising, we have been able to invest in one electric and one bass guitar, plus Fender amps.
And that is not all. Paragon children are now able to express their musical creativity at break-time too, with a wonderful set of outdoor chimes.
With many exciting projects planned for next year, we cannot wait to see what our Paragon musicians can achieve.
Acorn Adventures outdoor learning
“The best classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed only by the sky”
Freedom
Bravery
Social Skills
Woodland management
Margaret McMillan
Resilience Fine & gross motor skills
For Acorn Adventures, all classes, from Squirrels up to Year 6, have left the four walls of their classrooms behind for Forest School sessions in our wonder-filled woods. Pupils have loved experiencing the changing seasons within our stunning school grounds as they have mindfully meandered their way up to Bark Wood, or down to the Dingly Dell.
This year, they have enjoyed the challenge of designing and building mini dens (or Tipis for Ted), the world’s tallest stick towers and palatial designer dens fit for royalty.
We have also let our creative juices flow when creating Andy Goldsworthy-inspired sculptures, clay woodland critters, leaf animals and woven God’s eyes.
Last but not least, we always get to let off some steam when playing games such as Capture the Flag, Bear Hunt, Creep, Shark Attack and Camouflage. If you go out to the woods today, you’re sure to see… calm, focused and happy children!
Self-belief
Mindfulness
PTA A year of fun and fundraising!
A word from the Chair,
Liz Spurr
Having the opportunity to Chair the PTA 2023/24 has been a privilege; I’m literally blown away by what we have achieved, raising over £26,000 for charity and school initiatives. Christmas saw over £3,000 going to our Christmas charities and our May Fayre colour extravaganza raised an incredible £7,500, supporting summer charities and a new school Pre-Prep sports initiative. I’m immensely proud of the whole team and our achievements. A special thank you goes to the uniform shop volunteers. Not only does it have so many benefits for the environment and parents, but has contributed significantly to our total figure this year.
All of this wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of school staff. From Mrs Allen running as ‘Elf-vis’ on the Bath Mind Christmas Mental Elf Run, to Mr Isherwood encouraging everyone on the Charity Run and Bike Ride, and Mr Goodman sourcing the prizes for the Champions Raffle… the teaching body have really helped prove that a successful PTA requires the parent body and school to be engaged, enthusiastic and as excited as their children at all events!
We decided early on that it was important for each event to have a purpose and link with one of our QE Day charity partners or a specific school project. This enabled us to stay focused, maintain positive energy and achieve success. Some of our highlights included opportunities we have created for our children, engaging them in charity fundraising with sponsored running and cycling events, inspiring and challenging them with British Science Week competitions and our incredible planetarium, which was funded by our Paragon tea-towel sales!
They also experienced charity-led assemblies, the joy of doughnut days and the super-fun children’s parties to celebrate 40 years at Lyncombe House. Not forgetting our magnificent May Fayre Colour Extravaganza, the brilliant charity quiz night and incredible new Champions Auction, plus the many lively parent socials.
I wish future PTA teams all the very best success. It is so rewarding to be involved!
The charities we have engaged with this year:
YoungMinds - Yellow Day sponsorship
St Martin’s Community Pantry - Harvest Festival food donations
Bath City Farm & Bath Mind - Elf Run & Christmas Café and Market
The Nest Project – Easter - baby toiletries donation, Parent Quiz Night
Designability & Swallow – Summer – May Fayre & Paragon Golf Day
Head For Change – Sports Day Champions Auction
School projects funded:
Total raised: £13,218
British Science Week planetarium
Science Models for Prep School
ELSA initiative support for Pre-Prep (emotional literacy support)
Pre-Prep new sports initiative for balance bikes and extra swimming
Funding towards school’s new development project
Total raised £13,307
Visiting artist Annabel Menheneott
Trips & visits
All year groups have been out and about to museums, farms, historic sites and art galleries this year on curriculum-enhancing visits to enrich their classroom learning.
We also welcomed many visitors to the school to deliver workshops and talks, ranging from the Anglo Saxon Day for Year 3, to an all-school workshop with the Police on LifeSkills Day, and a brilliant, thought-provoking interactive
workshop on bullying with Richard from The Stay Safe Initiative.
We involved parents too! Dr Kathy Weston’s talks on Raising a Child in the Digital Age were pertinent and well-received, delivered in-person and by webinar. In December, the PTA arranged our first Wreath Workshop, which was a sell-out!
Year 1 going to Trowbridge Museum
Year 1 at Alexandra Park
Year 4 at the Roman Baths
Year 4 in costume at No.1 Royal Crescent
Reception watching The Snowmouse
Year 6 visit the grave of Harry Patch
Year 2 at Swindon STEAM Museum
Year 3 at the Holburne Museum
Father Christmas visiting
Year 5 at Radstock Museum
Year 3 at Wellow Longbarrow
Reception at Bath City Farm
40 years at Lyncombe House Celebration & Fundraising
In March, we celebrated 40 years of The Paragon School on its current site at Lyncombe Vale.
The PTA organised a fantastic series of children’s parties, and then parents, staff, alumni, trustees and special guests gathered at an evening event to mark the occasion.
Heritage adviser and parent, Kate Measures, curated storyboards showing the fascinating timeline of the history of the school. This was displayed alongside a gallery-style exhibition of artwork from all year groups. The school’s auditioned choir ‘Joyful Noise’ performed, and architectural plans for an exciting new extension of the school were also unveiled to the community.
Talking about the fundraising challenge ahead, Rosie Allen said: “This wonderful event showcases the
past, present and future of The Paragon. The development of the school will be an exciting new chapter, enabling pupils to move around more freely in beautifully designed spaces.”
Queen Elizabeth Day 2024 A day of service for all pupils
On Tuesday 11 June, The Paragon held its second QE Day, a day of service for all pupils. We supported no fewer than 18 charities and organisations this year, including:
SWALLOW, Bath Mind, Bath City Farm, Mercy in Action, Bath Preservation Trust, The Nest Project, Share and Repair Bath, Bath City Football Club, Saxon Group RDA, Kelly’s Donkeys, Grow For Life, Designability, St Martin’s Garden Community Pantry, Cleeve Court Residential Care Home, St Andrew’s Toddler Group, Move the Mind, The Carers’ Centre and Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields.
Pupils in the Prep thoroughly enjoyed their placements, and our younger pupils in the Pre-Prep spent the morning preparing a delicious tea party for grandparents and local residents. Squirrels Nursery prepared a ‘Thank You’ celebration for those who help them at school.
We were delighted to present one of our summer charities, Designability, with a cheque for £2,650, and SWALLOW with £2,000 on the day.
A day of service for Paragon pupils
Leavers’ Picnic Prom 2024
Come rain or shine, The Paragon spirit always transcends the weather at Lyncombe Vale. We did that in glorious chorus on the lawn on the last day of term, to watch year group performances and bid farewell to our Year 6 leavers. Parents came along with brollies and embraced the fun – the highlight of which was a glittering rendition of FAME from the 1980 dance series and film.
Our class of 2024 have been simply brilliant. With wondrous individuality, a fantastic set of values and no fewer than 38 scholarship offers and Heads’ Awards between them, they are well-equipped to experience new adventures in their chosen secondary schools. We have been privileged to watch them grow and flourish, and it was a delight to bestow them with certificates, awards and trophies on their last day with us before we said goodbye.
& Farewells Welcomes
Congratulations to....
Goodbye to....
Chris Guest
With an incredible tenure of over 40 years, Mr Guest has been a beacon of inspiration and a source of knowledge for generations of pupils. His unwavering dedication to education, passion for teaching, and genuine care for every student made him an invaluable member of our community. A mentor and friend to many, Mr Guest will undoubtedly remain a memorable figure in the history of The Paragon.
Grace and Paddy welcomed Bert Ford on 5 December ‘23.
Hannah and Joe Evans welcomed Alice Bethany on 7 June ‘24.
Sam Millard
Sam Millard joined The Paragon in 2019, teaching Year 3 and then Year 6 for four years. Her competitive spirit and incredible general knowledge prowess never failed to impress! Sam will be joining KES Prep to teach Maths from September 2024.
Emma O’Connor
Emma O’Connor joined The Paragon in 2008, teaching in Years 6, 5, 3 and 2, with breaks along the way for babies. She also spent six years in Learning Support and was recently Assistant SENCO, before stepping back into Year 6 to teach 6G. Emma has set up her own tuition business in English and Maths.
Adrianna Ciechomska
Adrianna joined the Reception team at The Paragon in 2019. She was a friendly face at The Paragon for five years before leaving this year to pursue her dream of running her own beauty and therapy business.
Joe Campkin
Joe worked as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant for five terms, as well as helping out with trips and residentials, and also took on a stint or two in Squirrels Pre-School. Joe now has the teaching bug and is leaving to complete a full-time PGCE.
Rachel Anderton
Rachel left The Paragon in February after leading the school SEN department since August 2022. She has joined Kingswood School in a similar role.
Kate Courage
Kate joined The Paragon as a peripatetic singing teacher in 2021. A multi-talented member of the team, she also wrote the score and script for our past three Pre-Prep nativities. Kate has left to pursue her freelance career.
Henry Welch
Henry was based at Prior Park College but became a familiar face at The Paragon, helping to create many of our Instagram reels and short films. Henry is leaving to follow his dream of teaching Film Studies and will be studying for his PGCE in London.
Susie Rees-Jones
Famed for introducing Squid and Dave, (two beautiful Dachshunds) to the school office, Susie was our school Registrar and Head’s PA. She left in October 2023 to work in a role that allows her to work from home and spend more time with her family and dogs!
Pete O’Neill
Pete has inspired Paragon drummers for around ten years. It is thanks to him and his love of LatinAmerican vibes that we have a thriving Samba band which performs at public events and concerts. Pete firmly embodied the Paragon spirit and got involved with wider school life, accompanying pupils on school trips and regularly assisting at Camp Teepee. He is continuing to teach from his home in Bristol.
