As we come to t sed to share just some of the many highlig ks in this final edition of WOW Magazine. It has been a joyful and energetic close to the academic year, with sporting events, trips, our prep school production of Shrek the Muscial Jnr., Speech Day and Prizegiving all providing wonderful moments of celebration and reflection.
We have also marked an important milestone for our Year 8 pupils, as they come to the end of their South Lee journey before moving on to their respective senior schools. From their final Sports Afternoon to their leavers’ programme and special events, it has been a pleasure to celebrate their time with us and all they have contributed to our school.
Our community spirit continues to shine through, with pupils showing kindness, determination and a strong sense of responsibility in all that they do. I would like to thank our dedicated staff for their commitment and care, and our parents and carers for your continued support. It is a privilege to work in partnership with you and to see your children flourish.
Wishing you all a happy, restful and well-deserved summer break.
Sarah Catchpole Head
MARTINEAULECTURE
Wow – what a brilliant Martineau Lecture from Colonel Wall!
Our pupils were thoroughly engaged as he shared fascinating stories and reflections from his time in the US Military, offering a unique insight into leadership, resilience, and global service.
His talk prompted thoughtful questions, sparked meaningful conversations, and left pupils reflecting on the values of courage and commitment. From beginning to end, it was an inspiring session that brought history and current affairs to life in a way that was both accessible and thought-provoking.
Thank you, Colonel Wall, for such an engaging and memorable visit – it will stay with us for a long time to come.
SOUTHLEECOLOURRUN
What a fantastic day we had at Nowton Park for our annual Colour Run!
The afternoon was bursting with energy, laughter, and a wonderful sense of community as over 100 pupils raced through clouds of colour, cheered on by their friends, families, and teachers. Parents and staff did not escape the fun either, joining in with great enthusiasm and leaving the event a little more colourful than when they arrived! The sound of laughter echoed across the park as pupils made their way through each colourful checkpoint, creating a joyful and vibrant atmosphere from start to finish.
A huge thank you goes to Mr Paul Musgrove, Assistant Manager at Bury Town FC, for officially opening the event and encouraging our pupils with such warmth and good humour. And, of course, a big thank you to our fantastic PTA for planning and delivering such a well-organised and memorable afternoon – from start to finish, it was a brilliant celebration of fun, friendship, and school spirit. We are already looking forward to doing it all again next year!
As a final chapter in their South Lee journey, our Year 8 leavers headed to the Peak District for a residential filled with adventure, camaraderie, and reflection.
TEA
Tea Time Tunes was a warm and welcoming showcase of musical talent, with pupils performing everything from piano and violin to voice, guitar, cello and saxophone. Supported by our dedicated peripatetic teachers, children from across the school took to the stage with growing confidence and skill.
We are proud to share that Mr Simon Clinch, our Head of Computing and Digitally Enhanced Learning, has been named a Bronze Winner in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards for Transformational Use of Digital Technology.
This prestigious national recognition celebrates Mr Clinch’s creativity, innovation, and commitment to using technology in a purposeful and impactful way. Through his work, digital learning at South Lee has become more than a tool; it is an integral part of how we inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare our pupils for a rapidly evolving world.
From interactive classroom experiences to the integration of emerging platforms and resources, Mr Clinch continues to lead the development of digital education within our school. His efforts have enhanced pupil engagement and progress, while also supporting colleagues in their own professional growth and digital confidence.
This award reflects not only Mr Clinch’s individual dedication, but also South Lee’s broader commitment to innovation within a nurturing and child-centred environment. We are delighted that his work has received national recognition, and we extend our warmest congratulations on this well-deserved achievement.
On National Thank a Teacher Day, we took the opportunity to celebrate the dedication, care, and professionalism of our wonderful staff at South Lee. From the classroom to the playground, and from the music rooms to the sports fields, our teachers and support staff go above and beyond every day to inspire, guide, and encourage every child in their care. Pupils shared messages of thanks, and took time to reflect on the difference their teachers make, not just in lessons, but in building confidence, curiosity, and kindness.
PREPSCHOOL PRODUCTIONOFSHREK
Our prep school pupils took to the stage for a truly ogre-sized performance of Shrek The Musical Jr , bringing the swamp, the fairytale misfits, and Far Far Away to life with humour, heart, and heaps of talent.
From toe-tapping numbers to brilliant character moments, the cast delivered a storybook show full of fun, friendship, and a whole lot of roar-some energy.
A huge well done to everyone involved!
MOVINGUPMORNING
g p g e their new teachers, explored futu their upcoming year groups. Younger pupils enjoyed playing and teaming up with older pupils, fostering new friendships and building confidence for the year ahead.
Our Preschool Graduation was a special celebration of all the hard work and achievements our youngest learners have made. With bright smiles, songs, and a few happy tears, the children proudly marked this important step in their journey. It was a wonderful moment for families to come together and celebrate the growth, curiosity, and joy these children bring to South Lee every day.
CELEBRATING OUR YEAR 8 LEAVERS
Our Year 8 leavers began their final week with a self-defence workshop, learning practical skills to boost awareness, confidence, and personal safety. It was an empowering and engaging start to their programme of end-of-year activities, and a great way to reflect on independence as they prepare for senior school.
As part of their leavers’ programme, our Year 8 pupils spent a morning in Felixstowe, enjoying the seaside air and each other’s company before sharing a traditional fish and chip lunch.
Year 8 enjoyed a fun-filled day at Pleasurewood Hills as part of their leavers’ celebrations. From rollercoasters and water rides to plenty of laughs with friends, it was a brilliant opportunity to spend time together and celebrate the end of their South Lee journey. A well-deserved day of adventure and joy for a fantastic year group.
NURSERY SPORTS DAY
Our nursery children gave it their all at Sports Day, taking part in running races, beanbag balancing, and the ever-popular egg and spoon challenge. With big smiles, plenty of cheering, and lots of enthusiasm, it was a joyful morning of fun and movement. A lovely way to celebrate their energy, effort, and growing confidence.
Our nursery children gave it their all at Sports Day, taking part in running races, beanbag balancing, and the ever-popular egg and spoon challenge With big smiles, plenty of cheering, and lots of enthusiasm, it was a joyful morning of fun and movement A lovely way to celebrate their energy, effort, and growing confidence.
PRE PREP SPORTS DAY
Our Pre-Prep children took to the field with great enthusiasm for their afternoon Sports Day, giving every event their best effort. From sprints to vortex throwing, the afternoon was full of energy, teamwork, and plenty of smiles. It was a wonderful celebration of physical confidence, determination, and fun in the sunshine.
SOUTH LEE SUMMER FETE
The South Lee Summer Fête was a joyful afternoon filled with colour, laughter, and plenty of pupil-led fun. With stalls run by Years 4 to 8, games, sweet treats, and the ever-popular tombola, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to our brilliant PTA for their support and well done to all the pupils who helped make the event such a success.
PREP SPORTS DAY
Our Prep School pupils had a fantastic time at Sports Afternoon, competing in sprints and other exciting events. The afternoon was filled with energy, determination, and plenty of cheers, as everyone gave their best effort. It was a wonderful celebration of athleticism and school spirit, with pupils enjoying the sunshine and each other's company.
e whole South Lee pupils’ hard work and growth. Thought provoking addresses were followed by warm applause as prizes for academic progress, creative flair and sporting commitment were presented. Families, staff and friends shared in the pride that filled the hall, marking a fitting close to the school year and sending our pupils forward with confidence for the challenges ahead.
g in y , with a special focus on our Year 8 pupils as they prepare to move on to their senior schools. It was a relaxed and thoughtful occasion, offering time to reflect, share memories, and celebrate all they have achieved. A fitting way to mark the final days of their South Lee journey.
