Sherborne Prep Preppers' Annual 2024-2025 by Sherborne Schools Group

Curriculum Area: A big Heads’ Hello

2024-2025 has been another sterling year at Sherborne Prep. The warmth and energy from the pupils and the team radiates daily, and it is a truly special community. There are simply too many experiences and events to list here but as you read through the coming pages you will be awed by the phenomenal amount our children do and achieve. We are always ambitious for each and every child. Your children have a golden nugget within them that we want to release so they can shine as brightly as they deserve to.

Whatever their endeavours, your children are courageous, good humoured and driven. They, as a community, are also exceptionally kind and humble. I have no doubt we shall see great things in the future for our young charges, and we could not be prouder of them.

So, go on – turn the page. Come and relive this wild and wonderful adventure with us.

Mrs Annie Gent, Head

BBoarding

Another year, another yearbook entry... and you’d think we’d have run out of things to say about boarding by now. But no – the house continues to surprise us, delight us, and occasionally cover us in glitter.

Yes, we could plagiarise past entries and declare once more, “It’s been a wonderful year!” (Because it has.) But what made this year different? It’s all about the vibe – the rhythm, the chemistry, the unspoken magic that happens when you throw together a bunch of lively, big-hearted boarders, no matter where they come from, and give them the freedom to mix, mingle, and create their own brand of community.

This year’s standout buzzword? Verticality. No, not a gymnastics trick –it’s that glorious blend of year groups all muddling along together. Older pupils looking out for younger ones, younger ones idolising older ones, and all of them united by a love of snacks, spontaneous games of Manhunt, and a baffling array of face masks in the common room.

There’s something deeply charming about a Year 8 hurling a frisbee to a Year 6, or boys and girls dashing around the lawn in joyful pursuit, midevening. Our co-ed boarding house has become a glorious melting pot of personalities, perfumes, and pizza nights – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

No two days are the same. One minute it’s film night, the next it’s a dorm-wide scavenger hunt or someone has perfected the midnight toast technique (don’t ask). But through it all, something remains constant: the growth. The independence. The friendships that reach across year groups and – if our alumni are anything to go by – last long after the final duvet has been folded.

Boarding at Sherborne Prep?

It’s part playground, part family, part finishing school and entirely unforgettable.

PPastoral

At Sherborne Prep, happiness isn’t a bonus – it’s the foundation. Wellbeing is woven into every moment of school life, from Monday morning registration to the last wave at the gate on Friday afternoon. Whether pupils are skipping into lessons or navigating one of life’s inevitable wobbles, we’re here to help them grow into kind, curious, and quietly courageous humans.

We care just as much about who they’re becoming as what they’re learning. That’s why we focus on the quality of their relationships – with themselves, with others, and with the wider world. We give them space to reflect, the tools to communicate, and the emotional literacy to build friendships that last a lifetime.

And we see it all the time – those little moments that speak volumes: pupils helping each other up, standing up for what’s right, listening without interrupting and showing care not just for classmates, but for the world around them too.

Our weekly Personal Development lessons are where much of this takes root. These are spaces to talk, think, share, and reflect – exploring everything from kindness and empathy to digital boundaries and the weirdly wonderful

wiring of the teenage brain. In Years 7 and 8, the focus shifts to building resilience, understanding how the mind works, and developing a toolkit for perspective, balance, and self-belief.

Prep school life is full of highs, lows, surprise turns, and spectacular snack debates – and our role is to guide, support, and champion every child through it all. Mental health is not a box we tick – it’s a promise we keep.

By helping our pupils find their voice, steady their footing, and ask for help when they need it, we’re not just preparing them for school – we’re giving them the confidence to face whatever comes next, with kindness in their pocket and courage in their step.

PPre-Prep

What a fantastic year it has been for our youngest learners at Sherborne Prep. From tentative first steps to confident strides, it’s been a joy to witness the growth, milestones, and increasing independence of each and every child in our Pre-Prep family.

Our return in September was made even more exciting by the wonderful late summer sunshine as the orchard remains a firm favourite with the children—there’s something very special about seeing children climb trees, hang upside down on the bars, cartwheel across the grass, and embrace those delightfully wholesome playtimes!

This year, we’ve celebrated the progress of all our children—not only academically, but in their confidence, creativity and curiosity. We’ve also experienced the magic of real-life learning, from watching butterflies emerge in Nursery to witnessing chicks hatch in Pre-Prep. These moments of wonder are what make learning truly memorable. There has been no shortage of adventures outside the classroom either. The children have enjoyed visits to Launceston Organic Farm, Old Wardour Castle, Haynes Motor Museum and the Sealife Centre. These enriching ‘wow’ experiences not

only support classroom learning but help foster curiosity and confidence.

Our curriculum has been as rich and varied as ever, with themes ranging from Castles and Explorers to a reallife re-enactment of The Great Fire of London. Special themed days, including our Castle and Explorers’ Day, brought learning to life—especially as the children navigated an orienteering course across Carey’s! Nursery became pirates, searching for treasure and role-playing swashbuckling adventures. Grandparents’ Day was a joyful occasion too, as our children confidently reminded their guests how things are done in the classroom!

Our sporty and energetic Pre-Prep children have been in fine form again this year. From the excitement of both the inter-school Cross-Country and Football tournament, it’s been a highenergy year. Pre-Prep shone at the Port Regis Gymnastics Competition, and Sports Day was a true celebration of effort, skill, and sportsmanship. Most heartening of all has been the way our children have celebrated each other’s achievements—win or lose.

In the arts, our children continue to impress. Nursery enchanted us with their nativity and end-of-year

performances, while Pre-Prep wowed us in their festive play, ‘Lights, Camel, Action-The Sequin’—a sparkling blend of Christmas spirit and Strictly-style fun. Our summer show is still being fine-tuned as this annual goes to print, but we’re confident it’ll be another hit! Musical talent has blossomed too, with an increasing number of children taking lessons ranging from learning the trumpet and cello, to our very youngest playing the violin. Our music recital was pure joy, and the uplifting House Music AbbaGanza were real highlights.It’s been another year filled with laughter, discovery, and meaningful moments. Thank you for your continued support. We wish all our families a joyful, relaxing summer—and we can’t wait to do it all again next year!

AAcademic

At Sherborne Prep, learning is not just something that happens at a desk – it spills into every corner of school life, buzzing with curiosity, creativity, and the occasional Victorian bonnet.

This year, our pupils have thrown themselves into the academic adventure with characteristic flair. We have seen bookish breakfasts, creative writing soirées, day trips, expos, and residentials from Years 3 to 8 that turned classrooms into launchpads and minibuses into magic carpets. Who knew learning could look like that?

One of the crowning glories? The return of our ever-brilliant Saturday Lent Lecture series for Years 7 and 8 – and their parents. Now in its second year, it has become something of a Sherborne Prep institution (and quite the hot ticket). This year’s speakers dazzled us with tales of Napoleon’s escapades, the science of life itself, swimming the English Channel (yes, really), comedy in advertising, and how to sniff out a top-notch business idea before breakfast. And breathe. The variety was dizzying, the insight inspiring – and we are already cooking up next year’s line-up.

Then there were our two show-stopping off-timetable days. Art Day was a riot of colour, clay, and collaborative genius –think less ‘paint by numbers’ and more ‘Picasso meets Year 6’. Victorian Day,

meanwhile, took us back in time to a Christmas of corsets, carols, and chimney sweeps (minus the actual soot). Both days reminded us that learning is at its best when it is hands-on, heart-filled, and occasionally wrapped in crinoline.

And let us talk about Earth Day – or rather, Earth Year. Off the back of last year’s success, we have gone all in Sustainability is now part of the curriculum for Years 3 to 5. But this is not your average ‘recycling is good’ spiel. Pupils have explored everything from coral reefs to carbon footprints, polar bears to sustainable farming – and delivered it all through drama, storytelling, posters, and their own powerful voices.

The result? Young changemakers who speak up, step up, and think outside the (recyclable) box.

With topics that span the planet and beyond – endangered species, ocean ecosystems, invertebrates, and even the secret life of soil – this strand of learning has struck a deep and lasting chord. Our pupils are not just learning about the world. They are learning how to shape it.

SScholarship Success

We take great pride in the achievements of our Year 8 pupils, who have shown impressive dedication and determination in pursuing scholarships at a variety of schools. The hard work, commitment, and ambition are testament to their character and effort. This year, 14 scholarships were awarded in a year group of 24, including four academic awards, five in music, two in drama, one in performing arts, one in art and one in swimming.

These achievements highlight the diverse talents and passion of our pupils. Congratulations to those who received scholarships, as well as to those who participated and gave their best — your efforts are equally impressive. Scholarships were awarded to pupils heading to Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Girls, Canford, King’s Taunton, Clayesmore, and Bryanston.

English

To borrow the immortal words of Miss Caroline Bingley (yes, we’re quoting Pride and Prejudice): “I declare after all, there is no enjoyment like reading!” And honestly? We couldn’t agree more – especially in a year that marked 250 years of Jane Austen and gave us plenty of reasons to celebrate our collective love of stories.

World Book Day was an absolute riot – in the best possible way. Picture a Harry Potter-style obstacle course, pupils (and staff) decked out in wildly eclectic costumes, a fiercely competitive book quiz, and parents sneaking into the

Pre-Prep as Secret Readers. Add to that our ever-growing Literary Tree in the Library – each leaf representing a beloved book – and the day was one for the storybooks.

Back in the classroom, our literary horizons continue to stretch far and wide. From the classic to the contemporary, pupils across the years dive deep into texts that challenge, move, and inspire. Year 5 explored what it might feel like to be a refugee through The Boy at the Back of the Class Year 7 tackled themes of race, prejudice, and justice in Ghost Boys. And in Year 8, To Kill a Mockingbird sparked rich, scholarly discussion that would’ve made Atticus proud.

We’re firm believers that every child is a writer in the making – and this year, they’ve more than proven it. Our Sherborne Prep Poetry Competition lit up the school with verse, and Creative Writing Evenings offered a stage for stories that were touching, funny, mysterious – and unmistakably pupilpenned.

Writing, for us, isn’t just about commas and clauses. It’s about expression, confidence, and well-being. We saw all of this in action during the ISEB/IAPS story competition on the theme of Light, where a flurry of creative entries earned two of our brilliant Year 8s a Highly Commended nod each.

Of course, you can’t talk about English without giving a standing ovation to Shakespeare. Year 6 stepped into the whimsical world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, while our Year 8 leavers took in a stirring theatre production of Macbeth before taking to the stage themselves with a stunning performance of Hamlet, directed by the ever-brilliant Mr Pyman –a masterclass in emotion, ambition, and ghostly drama that would’ve had the Bard himself applauding in the wings.

400 years on, and the words still sing. That’s the magic of literature – and around here, it’s very much alive and kicking.

GGeography

At Sherborne Prep, geography is not just something we learn – it is something we do. This year, it has been a whirlwind (sometimes literally) of exploding volcanoes, marshmallow engineering, and full-throttle curiosity across every year group.

From our youngest explorers to our senior investigators, the subject has come alive through all things squishy, splashy, sticky, and spectacular. Want to understand tectonic forces? Let’s build an earthquake-proof tower out of spaghetti and jelly. Curious about population structures? Cue the jelly baby game –where every sweet has a story to tell about demographics, development, and the delicate art of surviving an imaginary pandemic.

Our senior geographers headed out on the annual field trip to Chesil Beach – clipboards in hand, salty breeze in

their faces – ready to investigate sea defences and coastal processes. Back in the classroom, 3D river dioramas brought fluvial features to life, complete with meanders, deltas, and the odd stray sheep.

Meanwhile, our junior geographers took a deep dive (not literally – we left the snorkels out) into the Earth’s shifting plates. They erupted volcanoes, mapped continents, and tested their marshmallow engineering skills against simulated seismic tremors. Did it work? Sometimes. Did they learn? Absolutely.

Across the year groups, we tackled everything from climate change to fast fashion, migration to endangered species, plastic pollution to polar regions. No stone left unturned; no continent left unexplored.

But it was never just about facts and figures. A big part of the journey was developing research and communication skills. Pupils took the reins on independent projects, crafting presentations on topics that fascinated them – sharpening their ability to question, investigate, and share their findings with confidence (and the occasional dramatic flourish).

Because here’s the thing about geography at Sherborne Prep: it’s more than maps and mountains. It’s about discovering the planet, questioning how it works, and imagining how we might make it better. Whether they are exploring fair trade, sustainable settlements, or ways to protect our world, our pupils are learning to think globally, act responsibly, and shape the future –one jelly baby at a time.

Time travel might not be on the timetable just yet, but that didn’t stop the History Department from whisking our pupils through centuries of adventure, upheaval, and some rather questionable royal haircuts. From dinosaurs to dictators, this year has been a whirlwind through the ages – with every topic met with curiosity, debate, and the occasional papier-mâché battle axe.

Year 3 took their first steps into the past with a prehistoric plunge into dinosaurs, fossils, and early humans. From cave paintings to stone tools, their imaginations roared to life. Then came the Celts, Romans, and Vikings – a trio of civilisations explored through lively comparisons and brilliantly creative activities. The Roman Baths trip was a particular hit (togas optional), and the full Roman campout back at school – yes, in the Sports Hall, rebranded as our very own Villa Sherbornica – brought the empire to life in true Prep style.

Year 4 ventured into the drama of medieval England, where 1066 was hotly debated and the Norman Conquest re-enacted with flair. They stitched their own Bayeux Tapestries, examined the Domesday Book, contemplated monastic life, and tackled the Black Death – all

HA YEAR IN HISTORY: PIECING (AND A FEW

without succumbing to plague or peasant revolt. Close call.

Year 5 went full Tudor – monarchs, mischief, and major upheaval. From Henry VIII’s ever-changing marital status to global expansion, the children analysed the power players of the period and explored the religious and social shifts that made the era so transformative. Their verdict on the Tudors? Intriguing, intense, and not short on drama.

As pupils climb the Prep ladder, history grows teeth – moving from storytelling to source work, from castle-building to critical analysis. And they have risen to the challenge.

Year 6 stepped into the world of the Stuarts, sharpening their skills with debates on divine right, civil war, and whether they’d have backed King or

PIECING TOGETHER THE PAST ROMAN TENTS)

History

Country (some were worryingly loyal to Cromwell). They wrestled with primary sources and examined the political rifts of 17th-century England like budding historians.

Year 7 turned their attention to smoke, steam, and social upheaval with a deep dive into the Industrial Revolution. Their presentations were packed with insights into agriculture, transportation, and the enormous shifts that redefined Britain. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t just about machines.

HYear 8 – our mighty leavers – closed their Prep history journey with real intellectual firepower. Tackling Russia in Revolution (1900–1917), they grappled with complex texts, evaluated competing interpretations, and wrote essays with scholarly ambition. Their exam

performance? Focused, determined, and thoroughly impressive.

Our chronological approach ensures that by the time our pupils leave us, they’ve travelled from the Stone Age to the storming of the Winter Palace – not just with facts in hand, but with context, understanding, and a deep appreciation for the messy brilliance of human history. Because at Sherborne Prep, history is not just something we learn – it is something we question, debate, and live through (ideally without catching the plague). As the saying goes: history has a habit of repeating itself… but only if we let it.

M Maths

This year, maths at Sherborne Prep has been far more than times tables and textbook drills – it has been a celebration of logic, imagination, patterns, and the occasional mathematical pun. From chalk-dusted Rangoli designs to Escher-inspired poetry, our pupils have shown just how colourful, creative, and surprising the world of numbers can be.

In Years 3 to 6, the White Rose Maths scheme is now fully woven into the curriculum – and it is blooming beautifully. Pupils are sharpening their fluency, flexing their reasoning, and tackling problem-solving with growing confidence. They are not just learning how to get the right answer –they are learning why it works, how to explain it, and what to do when it all goes pear-shaped.

By Years 7 and 8, it is full steam ahead with our bespoke curriculum. Some of our eldest mathematicians are already chewing through senior school content – yes, Year 9 to 11 material, in Year 8. Their focus, flair, and tenacity have led to superb results in both internal assessments and external scholarship exams.

But maths at the Prep isn’t just about page numbers and equations – it is about how we think. Lessons challenge pupils to take risks, apply concepts to real-world scenarios, and learn from each other. Peer teaching is a regular feature, with pupils confidently explaining strategies to their classmates (because nothing says “I’ve got this” like teaching someone else).

Earlier in the year, maths joined forces with Whole School Arts Day to explore the symmetry and symbolism behind Rangoli patterns. The result? A flurry of colourful creations in chalk, collage, and ink – as visually striking as they were mathematically meaningful.

Come the Lent term, the focus turned to puzzles, possibilities, and pure brainpower. Our theme – ‘Finding

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All Possibilities’ – led to some fantastically creative problem-solving. Year 4 tackled Sheep Dog Trials, Year 5 calculated ice cream chaos, and older pupils designed menu combinations for Santa’s Elves (because even elves need options).

One of the brightest sparks of the year? Pi Day on 14 March – a week of cross-curricular exploration under the theme ‘Maths, Art, and Creativity’. Year 8 launched the week with an assembly on M.C. Escher and tessellation, kicking off a cascade of shape-based learning across subjects. In English, pupils even wrote poetry inspired by Escher’s illusions – proof that maths and creativity are brilliant bedfellows.

And let’s not forget our whizz-kids in Years 7 and 8 who took on the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge –an international competition that demands logic, resilience, and more than a little nerve. Our Prep mathematicians rose to the occasion, showing off their sharp thinking and love of a challenge.

2x-3=-7

Latin

LOur Latin studies continue quam celerrim (you remember that one, right?). And this year, they’ve been racing ahead – with brains buzzing, togas twirling, and recitations that would make Cicero swoon.

A true standout moment? Our intrepid team took part in a Latin poetry reading and recitation competition at Bryanston – a highbrow affair featuring learned scholars, ancient verse, and more laurel wreaths than a Roman banquet. Reciting Latin by heart is no small feat. Doing it with meaning, poise, and stage presence? That’s nothing short of heroic.

And the stakes were high – the lead judge was none other than Professor Llewellyn Morgan, Chair of the Classics Faculty Board at Oxford University. Our brilliant cast of classicists –Tabitha, Freya, Nellie, Marlowe, Antoinette, Elodie, and Harry – stepped up in style. They opened with a short play (full togas, full commitment) before delivering their solo poems with gravitas and flair.

Harry and Marlowe delivered Horace’s Vixi puellis nuper idoneus with flair and finesse – part performance, part poetry, and entirely worthy of a Roman standing ovation.

Freya and Tabitha gave us Catullus’s Vivamus, mea Lesbia, and their delivery was so full of feeling that you didn’t need a translation to understand the passion.Elodie and Antoinette plunged into the drama of Virgil’s Aeneid, Book Five – the boat race – and both were met with warm praise from the panel.

And Nellie? She went full epic and memorised a whole section of Book One of the Aeneid. Professor Morgan – arguably the authority on spoken Latin verse – was genuinely impressed.

And the cherry on top? Freya, Harry, and Elodie were all placed, holding their own among some very distinguished (and older) competitors.

But honestly? Every single child should be immensely proud. This was bold, brave, brainy stuff – proof that Latin is very much alive at Sherborne Prep.

Religious Studies

This year in RS, our pupils haven’t just been learning about religion – they’ve been asking big questions, diving into deep discussions, and exploring the rich diversity of beliefs that shape our world. Yes, there were sacred texts, epic stories, and philosophical ponderings – but more importantly, there was empathy, open-mindedness, and some truly excellent debating.

A standout moment? Our deep-dive into the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. The children reflected on justice, equality, and what it really means to stand up for what’s right – not with fists, but with words. It was powerful, moving, and led to some of the most thoughtful conversations we’ve had all year.

From there, we zoomed out to the really big stuff – the origins of the universe, different philosophical theories, and the ideas of great thinkers who have been asking “Why?” for centuries. Spoiler: the children had some pretty brilliant theories of their own.

We also travelled across the world’s spiritual landscape, exploring the beliefs, practices, and histories of Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Christianity. Along the way, we discovered how many British traditions and holidays have roots in Bible stories and ancient celebrations – building connections between faith, culture, and the everyday rhythms of modern life.

In true Sherborne Prep style, the learning wasn’t just about facts – it was about voice and perspective. Pupils gave presentations, led discussions, challenged ideas, and learned to listen, question, and respect. RS lessons became a safe space to explore different worldviews, reflect on values, and find their own way through life’s big questions.

Because at its heart, Religious Studies isn’t only about stories from the past – it’s about how we live together now. It’s about understanding others, celebrating difference, and growing into thoughtful, compassionate humans with something to say – and the confidence to say it.

S Science

From bubbling volcanoes to clean air campaigns, this year in science has been one big, brilliant explosion of curiosity. We’ve asked bold questions, tested imaginative ideas, and filled classrooms with everything from moon bases to marshmallows. Science at Sherborne Prep? Never dull. Always dazzling.

Year 3 kicked things off with their nowlegendary volcano models – erupting with vinegar, bicarbonate, and glee as they discovered how Earth’s surface is shaped by natural forces. Over in Year 4, pupils turned up the volume with a deep dive into sound –exploring how vibrations and materials affect what we hear, and how noise from the back of the room travels faster than a teacher can say, “Settle down.”

Year 5 went full Darwin, exploring evolution and inheritance through big questions: Why do giraffes have long necks? Can traits skip a generation? And what’s with those family resemblances? Thoughtful, fascinating stuff – with plenty of room for wild-haired family trees.

Year 6 launched into orbit (well, almost) with a STEM challenge from the European Space Agency: design and build a model moon base. The results were as imaginative as they were ingenious – from solar-powered habitats to rover repair bays. Future aerospace engineers? We’d bet on it.

Meanwhile, Year 7 took their learning beyond the classroom with a trip to We The Curious science museum in Bristol, before turning their attention to animal cells. The resulting models

BECAUSE WHEN SCIENCE MEETS SHERBORNE

were part biology, part sculpture, and 100% Prep creativity.

At the top of the school, Year 8 tackled serious chemistry – from neutralisation reactions and reactive metals to the fizzing, bubbling, and careful measuring that comes with it. Then came the Clean Air Challenge, in partnership with UCL, where pupils designed innovative real-world solutions to improve the air we breathe. Science + creativity + purpose? That’s a winning formula.

Across all year groups, our pupils have shown that science isn’t just about answers – it’s about questions. It’s about thinking boldly, solving problems, and imagining a better world.

SHERBORNE PREP SPIRIT, ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE.

Computer

Yes, we’ve had AI in the – but no, we’re not handing over to robots just yet. we care just as much technology as we do sometimes, the best tool algorithm... it’s a good

That said, the digital frontier has have answered with gusto. From SketchUp and TinkerCAD to programming with BBC Microbits, the children digital muscles in all sorts of creative portfolios? Polished to perfection skills meet

Of course, Fridays wouldn’t be Fridays Education mayhem. From architecture been the perfect pixelated playground solving – though we’re proud to to know when it’s time to switch

Because here, tech is And our pupils? They’re and critically think

Computer Science

the classroom this year handing the timetable yet. At Sherborne Prep, much about when to use about how. Because tool for the job isn’t an good old-fashioned brain. has been calling – and our pupils From designing 3D worlds in programming pint-sized computers children have been stretching their creative directions. Their design perfection in Canva – where presentation meet panache.

Fridays without a little Minecraft architecture to collaboration, it has playground for learning and problemto say our pupils are just as quick switch off and grab a pencil instead.

a tool – not a crutch. They’re learning to code, click, in equal measure.

Art

Paint, passion, and Picasso quotes – it has been a corker of a year in the Art Department.

We wrapped it all up (in style) with our glorious Summer Art Exhibition, where every single Prep pupil exhibited their work alongside seasoned artists and proud parents. It was less ‘school art show’, more ‘mini-Tate in Dorset’.

Creativity here is not confined to easels and sketchbooks. It oozes through corridors, spills across subjects, and bubbles up unexpectedly in the most delightful ways. Whether it is a Year 4 dragon in clay or a Year 8 mixed-media masterpiece, our pupils are finding their artistic voices – and singing out loud with them.

What has been especially joyful this year? That rising tide of creative confidence. You can see it in the brushstrokes, the bolder colour choices, the risk-taking, and the sheer imaginative flair bursting off the page. These pages? Just a glimpse of the magic that happens when young minds are free to explore, express, and dazzle.

“SOME PAINTERS TRANSFORM THE SUN INTO A YELLOW SPOT, OTHERS TRANSFORM A YELLOW SPOT INTO THE SUN.”

Pablo Picasso

ARTIST OF THE WEEK

Our Artist of the Week slot remains a beloved fixture in assemblies – a technicolour burst of brilliance that brightens even the greyest Monday. These mini galleries celebrate unique imaginations and the wonderfully weird, as pupils present independent projects that leave us all nodding, gasping, and occasionally wondering, “How on earth did they think of that?”

ART SCHOLARSHIP

A standing ovation, please, for Harvey W-G –newly crowned Art Scholar at Clayesmore. That is no small feat. This accolade speaks volumes about Harvey’s eye for detail, flair for originality, and quiet determination to keep pushing his creative boundaries. We are seriously proud – and not even pretending to be modest about it.

YOUNG ARTISTS’ SUMMER SHOW –ROYAL ACADEMY 2025

This year, 20 pieces were whisked off to the Royal Academy’s Young Artists’ Summer Show – a national showcase for young creatives aged 4–18. From the quietly moving to the wildly inventive, our submissions were mini-masterpieces in their own right – and a testament to the joyful graft happening in every corner of the Art Room.

2024–25 ART HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED: 1.

Sherborne Prep Summer Art Exhibition 2.

History of Art Enrichment 3.

Year 8 visit to the Art Collection at Kingston Lacy 4. Clay Modelling Club 5.

“Back to the Drawing Board” Saturday Morning Activity 6. Young Artists’ Summer Show –Royal Academy of Arts 7. Co-Curricular Arts Day

Design Technology Design Technology

Our DT department is where imagination meets engineering – and this year, it has had a serious glow-up. Thanks to the outrageously generous support of the Friends of Sherborne Prep, we’ve welcomed a full class set of sewing machines. Cue whirring needles, patterned fabric, and the occasional mild tangle (all part of the learning curve).

Textiles has stitched its way into the curriculum in a big way – and several year groups are already head over heels. Year 5 turned stitch-savvy with handmade beanbags for their very own board games (yes, they made those too), while Year 8 crafted keepsake cushions so stylish we would genuinely buy them in a shop. Sentimental and chic.

But we didn’t stop there. The sewing machines have powered up our Enrichment programme too, with pupils in after-school and Saturday Design Clubs whipping up bunting, hanging hearts, and other mini masterpieces. A special shoutout to the stunning fabrics donated from Angola – bold, vibrant, and just the spark our young designers needed to go wild with inspiration.

Of course, it’s not all soft stuff. The resistant materials side of DT is still alive and kicking – think boomerangs, model villages, trebuchets, and other marvellous contraptions you definitely wouldn’t want to step on barefoot.

At its heart, DT at Sherborne Prep is about more than glue guns and sandpaper. It’s about thinking, tinkering, tweaking, and taking pride in the process. Make mistakes? Absolutely. Fix them? Even better. Work together, problem solve, and celebrate the magic of making? Always.

Because here, design is where imagination meets elbow grease – and the results speak (or occasionally launch) for themselves.

Technology

This year? Singing, dancing, jazz hands galore. Drama at Sherborne Prep has been a full-throttle, glitter-dusted, spotlighthogging spectacular –and we have loved every moment of it.

D Drama

From musicals and New Era exams to scholarship triumphs and a show-stopping drama festival at Sherborne Boys, the stage has been well and truly set. But the real magic? That happened in Greenfield Hall, on the Sherborne Newell Grange campus, where each year group from Years 3 to 8 took to the boards for their very own production.

The recipe was simple: rehearse like mad for four days, then dazzle the school and wow the parents on day five. Curtain up.

Year 3 kicked things off with Snow White & the Seven Dwarves – Roald Dahl-style. Twisted fairytales, toe-tapping tunes, and the most persistent earworm of the year: “Go, go, go. Mistletoe go!” (We are still humming it in the corridors.)

Year 4 took us all the way back to the Stone Age with Rockbottom – a riot of prehistoric

punchlines, mammoth-sized character work, and unforgettable names like Lady Lava and the Juans. Rockbottom rocked. Literally.

Year 5 returned to Greenfield Hall with The Snow Queen, channelling Hans Christian Andersen with a healthy dose of Nordic sparkle. From the Snow Queen’s rock anthem to Sven and Ben’s reindeer duet, it was equal parts magical and magnificent.

Year 6 went full Wonka with Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. There were golden tickets, jaw-dropping performances, and the unforgettable splash of Augustus taking the plunge (chocolate river style). Violet turning violet? Even better live.

Year 7 tumbled into Alice in Wonderland –and what a tumble it was. A kaleidoscope of curious characters, clever choreography, and collaborative brilliance. They brought the weird, the wonderful, and the white rabbit.

“Theatre can child’s life, just cultural experience… the door to enjoyment.”

MICHAEL MORPURGO

transform a just as an early experience… opens to a life-long enjoyment.”

Year 8 are just gearing up for their final hurrah – and what a finale it is shaping up to be: pom poms, basketballs, and big dreams. High energy, high hopes, and high kicks to end the year on a high.

We believe theatre is not just fun – it transforms.

Here’s to more songs, more stories, and many more standing ovations.

Music

A SUPERBLY MUSICAL YEAR AT SHERBORNE PREP

Music at Sherborne Prep doesn’t just float through the corridors – it bursts from classrooms, bellows out of practice rooms, and fills every service, concert, and courtyard with joyful noise. This year has been a full symphony of sound and spirit – and it has been a genuine delight to share it with our whole community.

We’ve packed in three major services, two full-scale concerts, a host of informal recitals, and even a musical moment or two on Grandparents’ Day (because who doesn’t love a surprise solo before cake?).

The newest stars on the stage? Our shiny Jazz Quintet, who made their toe-tapping debut in the Michaelmas Concert. Featuring Henry S, Albert C, Henry C, Yutong L, and Mr O’Neal, this ensemble oozed cool and confidence. While Mr O’Neal brought the grown-up gravitas, the rest of the group are all heading off to senior schools as music scholars – a huge achievement, and the result of years of dedication, practice, and more than a few scales.

On the solo front, our musicians have hit all the high notes. Yutong L, David Z (both piano), and Nellie S (recorder) all achieved their Grade 8 this year – a phenomenal milestone. Five more pupils reached Grade 5 or above, showing real graft and musical maturity across the board.

Our choir has only grown in strength and soul, bouncing back after a big Cantores farewell last year. We added a magical new moment to the calendar – our first-ever candlelit Advent

Carol Service – which lit the way beautifully to the main event: the Carol Service at Sherborne Abbey. From pitch-perfect solos to soaring choruses, the children sang with grace and confidence, holding their own on a truly special stage.

One of the most heartwarming highlights came in the Lent term, when we joined forces with the Old Preppers’ Choir – a group of recent alumni now at schools including Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Girls, Leweston, King’s Bruton, and Bryanston. Together, we closed the term with a spine-tingling rendition of Parry’s I Was Glad (yes, the coronation anthem – no pressure). Huge thanks to Mr Alex Eadon, Director of Music at Sherborne Boys, whose support and good humour have made him a treasured part of our extended musical family.

As always, the House Singing competition rounded things off with all the gusto and glitter we’ve come to expect. The Greeks triumphed for the second year running – powered, no doubt, by six weeks of top-secret rehearsals and the unstoppable force that was this year’s “Abbathaon.” Huge thanks to all staff for their dedication, and to the children for eight unforgettable, joy-filled performances.

And finally – a note and farewell. Mr Sam to take up a place at of Music, where he a Master’s in Collaborative joining us three years the steady, brilliant music department – accompanist, miracle-worker, and good

He has poured time, talent, energy into every corner music, supporting children without missing a beat miss him hugely – but see him step into

of both celebration Sam O’Neal is leaving us at the Royal Academy will be completing Collaborative Piano. Since years ago, Sam has been brilliant heartbeat of our accompanist, mentor, and source of endless cheer.

talent, and boundless corner of Sherborne Prep children and staff alike beat (literally). We will but we are so proud to this next chapter.

THANK YOU, O’NEAL. YOU’VE LEFT LEGACY IN

SportAt Sherborne Prep, we don’t just play sport – we live cheer, and fuelled by bacon baps, sweaty brows, and on match day. From football boots to finish lines, sport

Sport

live it. It’s stitched into every timetable, echoed in every that can’t-wait-to-get-out-there energy you only find sport is at the very heart of who we are – and it shows.

This year? One for the highlight reel. We’ve had action, adventure, and a relentless supply of enthusiasm. Our children have thrown themselves (sometimes quite literally) into fixtures, festivals, enrichment sessions, and a whole host of exciting new wchallenges. Team football kicked off in style, individual sports flourished, and everywhere you looked, there was a pupil trying something new – with a grin the size of Carey’s.

We’re fortunate, too – with exceptional coaches, outstanding facilities, a dream team of grounds staff, and catering legends across the Sherborne Schools Group, our pupils are surrounded by support from all sides. The result? Children who thrive – not just in performance, but in confidence, character, and sheer love for the game.

Weekday and Saturday afternoon fixtures have been more than chances to sharpen skills.

They’ve been lessons in teamwork, resilience, and grit – with every pass and sprint helping to build something far bigger than a scoreboard. The legendary House of Fun brought together pupils from Years 1 to

8 for a day of friendly chaos, community spirit, and maximum volume cheering. The Colour Run? A riot of joy. Sports Days? A celebration of effort, courage, and post-race cuddles.

Our Sports Ambassadors deserve a standing ovation for their leadership – rallying teams, supporting peers, and helping ensure every event ran like a well-oiled relay baton. And let’s not forget our beloved morning sessions: cricket and swimming before breakfast, fuelling bodies and minds for the day ahead.

Down in Years 1 and 2, the youngest Prep stars have been unstoppable –competing in our football and cross-country relay competition, joining a gymnastics festival, and bouncing into every activity with full-throttle joy. Sports enrichment (before school, lunchtime, and after school) has been buzzing, and our new Saturday athletics programme added even more bounce to the calendar. We’ve hosted swimming galas, raced across the countryside, and competed in a range of athletics fixtures. A major highlight? Welcoming schools to a home gala at Sherborne Sports Centre, where our swimmers took centre stage – and shone.

Our sports scholars have had a jampacked year, attending workshops on nutrition and stress management, and learning how to train both mind and muscle. Touring teams from across the country visited, offering brilliant opportunities to compete, connect, and grow. Oh – and did we mention the trip to Lee Valley Hockey Centre in London, where pupils cheered on England’s Men’s and Women’s teams in the Pro League? Utterly unforgettable.

Then came a brilliant moment: our U11 boys’ hockey team qualified for the In2

Regional Hockey Tournament – a huge achievement, and just one example of the sporting journey our children are on. From IAPS to county competitions, they’ve shown us what it means to play with pride, whatever the result.

Because here at Sherborne Prep, it’s not just about the medals or the match reports. It’s about growing in confidence, learning to lose with grace, win with humility, and support one another every step – or sprint – of the way.

WE COULDN’T BE PROUDER. AND WE CAN’T WAIT TO DO IT ALL AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

The funnest/most

TSure, stowing away on a pirate ship bound for the Caribbean sounds like a laugh – but have you tried spending a year at Sherborne Prep? Swashbuckling has nothing on our calendar. Here, adventure is not just for storybooks – it is stitched into the timetable, woven into weekends, and sneaks into every break, lunch, and lull in the day (not that there are many).

funnest/most fun stuff

From zoology to Micro Adventures, sailing to stop-motion animation, TV production to Colour Runs – if you can dream it, chances are we are already doing it. And if not, well… give us a week.

Our golden rule? A happy child learns more. So we pack the days with joy, challenge, exploration, and a frankly ridiculous number of activities – over a hundred and counting. Saturdays are buzzing, weekdays are brimming, and the summer term? Positively bursting at the seams.

Whether it is diving deeper into a much-loved hobby or picking up something entirely unexpected (bonsai tree propagation, anyone?), every child finds their spark – often more than one.

And the grown-ups? Just as giddy. Our staff dive headfirst into the fun, dreaming up new ideas faster than you can say, “Who’s got the glitter glue?”

Events

Sports Day

Trips

Valete!

LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS:

Eloi A – Overseas

Olivia B-W– Sherborne Girls

Harry C – Canford

Albert C – Bryanston

Henry C – Sherborne Boys

Elodie C – Sherborne Girls

George C – Clayesmore

Antoinette DBVK – Sherborne Girls

Pauline D– Overseas

Tristan F – Sherborne Boys

Tabby G – Canford

Freya G – Sherborne Girls

Hector H – Overseas

Ella H – Sherborne Girls

Yutong L – Sherborne Girls

Marlowe M – Canford

Damon N – Clayesmore

Charlie P – Sherborne

V

Boys

Girls

Clayesmore