FROM THE STUDY WINDOW
Welcome to this, the 94th edition of the Tockingtonian.
What a year it has been. Since we last gathered under the marquee, it feels as though more has changed in the education sector than in the past century. And yet, at Tockington Manor, the heart of what we do has remained constant: our children thriving, our staff supporting, and our community celebrating success together.
While the world outside may be unpredictable, within these walls, the story has been one of resilience, achievement, and joy. Our school continues to demonstrate that it’s not so much punching above its weight as it is redefining what success looks like – by fostering an environment where excellence and childhood can flourish side by side.
Let us begin with our academics. This year, our Year 8 cohort achieved an outstanding average of 72% in their Common Entrance exams – a strong A grade. Their results have secured places at some of the country’s top senior schools including Marlborough, Winchester, Cheltenham, Clifton, Badminton and Monmouth. A remarkable range of scholarships were awarded across disciplines, reflecting the breadth of talent at TMS.
In Modern Languages, our pupils continue to shine. For the second year running, we entered children into the DELF Prim, the official French language diploma recognised by the French Ministry of Education. Our pupils passed with
an average of 89.9%, with ten pupils achieving a perfect 100%. Bertie M also received a commendation in the prestigious Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators from Oxford University - the second consecutive year a TMS pupil has received this national honour.
Our love for numbers hasn’t gone unnoticed either. The Maths Challenge team triumphed at Clifton College, beating 15 schools from across the region. Meanwhile, younger pupils led maths activities for our Nursery children as part of the “Counting Cubs” leadership initiative – a wonderful example of cross-year collaboration.
Creativity thrived once again through music, drama, and art. From the joyful Pre-Prep Nativity and the Shakespeare Festival in Years 3 & 4, to the vibrant Year 5 & 6 musical Finding Nemo, and the confident performance of Wind in the Willows by Years 7 & 8 – every production was a triumph of teamwork and talent. Our music concerts showcased an evergrowing depth of musical skill and passion across the school.
On the sports fields, courts, and pools, TMS continued to break new ground. This year saw us reach the national circuit in several sports, most notably:
• Swimming: We won five out of the six galas we competed in. 24 pupils reached the IAPS qualifiers at Millfield and in the finals, our U11 boys relay team were crowned national champions – reclaiming the shield last won in 2019.
• Touch Rugby: A humble club that once met after supper on Fridays rose to national prominence. The team, captained by Sienna, were crowned
South West Champions and then National Champions – defeating a senior school in the final.
• Football, Netball & Rugby: Unbeaten seasons, Severnside victories and national cup entries marked a year of serious progress. U11 football remained unbeaten all season, while the 1st XV went undefeated until the final match.
• Athletics and Cross Country: With more children involved than ever, we saw eight pupils qualify for the national finals in athletics and 12 Severnside Champions. The cross country team achieved podium finishes at the National Prep School Championships.
Our children’s engagement with the environment has also made headlines - literally. TMS pupils were part of a world-record river clean-up effort, earning recognition from Guinness World Records.
Beyond school, Old Tockingtonians continue to inspire. From Ella Greenbank representing Wales in European Hockey, to university-
level sport and even a Harvard scholarship, it’s clear that the values and confidence instilled here travel far.
As we prepare to say farewell to our leavers, and a few much-loved staff members, we do so with a sense of pride and gratitude. This year we mark the retirement of Mrs Sally Pearce after 26 years of dedicated service. I extend my personal thanks to Sally for her hard work and loyalty to both the Nursery and the whole of TMS, she will be missed by many, both current Tockingtonians and OTs. Education is a life long journey and under her guidance so many have had the strongest start possible.
So, are we punching above our weight? Or are we simply being TMS – a school that helps children to be their very best while ensuring they still get to be children? We’ll let the record speak for itself.
Please do enjoy reading this edition of the Tockingtonian.
Mr Symonds
SENIORS 2024-25
Our Senior leavers this year have moved onto the following schools:
B. Burch Cheltenham College Academic Scholarship
P. Rogers Clifton College Headmaste'rs Award
A. Owen Castle School
A. Fernandez-West Clifton College Academic Scholarship
F. Crocker KLB School
G. Dykes Badminton School
Academic Scholarship
O. Bird
Marlborough College
LB. Shipway Haberdashers' Monmouth Sports Scholarship
H. Woodhouse Wycliffe
Sports Scholarship
J. Dawkins Clifton College
O. Harvie-Pullin
Westonbirt School
Sports Scholarship
O. Daly Winchester College
B. Mortimer Haberdashers' Monmouth
Academic Scholarship
H. Lewis
Westonbirt School
Academic Scholarship
F. Serjeant QEH
C. Dawes Wycliffe
Sports Scholarship
C. Bacon
Westonbirt School
A. King
Westonbirt School
Drama Scholarship
Year 8 Monitors
The Year 8 pupils held these roles for the 2024/25 academic year. They held these with a sense of responsibility and pride setting an excellent example to all of the pupils.
Head Boy H. Lewis
Head Girl P. Rogers
Deputy Head Boy O. Bird
Deputy Head Girl A. King
Head of ICT B. Mortimer
Head of MFL A. Fernandez-West
Head of Debating H. Woodhouse
Head of Boys' Sport O. Harvie-Pullin
Head of Girls' Sport LB. Shipway
Head of Alexander G. Dykes and B. Burch
Head of Churchill C. Bacon and A. King
Head of Cunningham A. Owen and J. Dawkins
Heads of School Parliament O. Daly, F. Serjeant, C. Dawes
Head of Art F. Crocker
Head of Music A. King
Head of Drama B. Burch
END OF YEAR PRIZES
The Merchant Prize for English
G. Dykes
The Ashford Prize for Best Poem
J. Bird
The Shaw Prize for English (Y7)
I. Pickavance
The Prize for Most Promising Writer
A. King
The Totally Tockington Prize
B. Mortimer
The Broyd Prize for Reading (Y3)
O. Champagne & I. Berkely
The Haigh Cup for Middle School Creative Writing
I. Hurford
The Sarah Finnigan Award for Drama
H. Woodhouse
The Year 3 & 4 Drama Prize
H. Blenkinsop
The Old Tockingtonian Society Prize for Mathematics
Winners: B. Burch & G. Dykes
Progress: A. King
The Prize for the Most Promising Mathematician
B. Mortimer & A. Fernandez-West
The Jones Cup for Excellence in Geography
O. Bird
The Robert Mason Prize for Geography
G. Campbell
The Finnigan Prize for French (Y7&8)
B. Burch
The Nursery Prize for French
E. Augustus (Owls)
C. Rinn (Woodpeckers)
The Pre-Prep Prize for French
L. Elder
The Middle School Prize for French
A. Vijayaraghavan
The Pre-Prep Prize for Spanish
E. Day & E. Dixon
The Prep Prize for Spanish
A. Fernandez-West
The Bett Prize for Classics
A. Fernandez-West
The Tockington Prize for Ancient Civilization
J. Dawkins
The Barber Cup for Effort (Y6 - 8)
D. Diwakar & I. Hurford
The Old Tockingtonian Prize for History
O. Bird
The Elaine Thomas Prize for Art
A. King
The School Prize for Art
F. Crocker
The Richardson Prize for Art (Y3-6)
L. Russell
The Allen DT Prize
B. Collin
The Jamie Smith Photography Cup
A. Fernandez-West
The Benjamin Moore Science Shield
B. Mortimer
The Smith Prize for Science
A. King
The Middle School Prize for Science
T. Horsted
The School Prize for Computing/ICT
B. Mortimer
The 'Dame Mary Warnock' PSHE Award
O. Daly
Pre-Prep End of Year Prizes
Reception: I. Aminu and N. Atkinson
Year 1: L. McAlinden and F. Rowe
Year 2: I. Bird and N. Mapondera
The Lorenz Cup
H. Woodhouse
END OF YEAR PRIZES
The Smith Cup for All-round Sportsmanship
O. Bird
The Gerrish Activities Cup
H. Lewis
The Watson Sports Achievement
Reception: E. Brennan Davila and A. Coates
Year 1: L. McAlinden and F. Rowe
Year 2: O. Ives and H. Harrison
The Shutt Cup for Pre-Prep Endeavour
F. Hortop (swimming)
The Winthrop Cup for Swimming
LB. Shipway and O. Harvie-Pullin
The Pullin Equestrian Prize
C. Clarke
The Symonds Cup for Excellence in Cricket
H. Cullis
The O'Leary Award for Contribution to Tennis
A. Fernandez-West and G. Dykes
Best Girls' Games Player of the Year
P. Rogers
Best Boys' Games Player of the Year
O. Harvie-Pullin
The Stringer Shield
1st Cunningham
2nd Alexander
3rd Churchill
The Winston Prize for Singing
A. King
The McArthur Prize for Best Overall Musicianship
Y. Yu
The Walters Prize for Piano
A. King
The O'Leary Award for Musical Theatre
E. Viner-Plumley
The Pre-Prep Prize for Music
A. Beloe, E. Day, T. Glanville, H. Harrison, Z. Lu, L. Oakes, M. Wang, I. Wightman
The Wilkinson Shield for Best Wind Player
C. Britton & L. Jackson
The Warn Prize for Best Guitar Player
B. Mortimer
The Prize for Best Electric Guitar Player
B. Burch
The Lees Progress Prize for Strings
A. Kasprzyk
The School Prize for Percussion
G. Campbell
The Prize for Best Brass Player
A. Shambhu
The Pippa Mason Award
C. Bacon
The Baker "Make the Most of Every Moment" Salver
A. Owen
The Jubilee Cup
C. Dawes
The Russell Trophy
Z. Zhong
The Resilience Award
F. Crocker
The Prize for Contribution to School Parliament
O. Daly, C. Dawes and F. Serjeant
Headmaster's Special Recognition Prize
J. Dawkins
Headmaster's Prize
A. King
Lifers' Awards
C. Bacon, F. Crocker, J. Dawkins, H. Lewis, A. Owen, H. Woodhouse
Head Boy and Head Girl Salvers
Head Boy: H. Lewis
Head Girl: P. Rogers
Minibus service available
Aim high, stay grounded
Clifton College is an independent co-educational day and boarding school nestled in the heart of Bristol, for pupils aged 3-18 years. Proudly offering a modern education set amongst historic grounds with outstanding facilities that provide a richly diverse learning environment.
Scholarships
available
Clifton College offers pupils a unique opportunity to excel in their chosen field through our Scholarship
INDEPENDENT PREP SCHOOL OF THE YEAR
We were very proud to be shortlisted as one of the top Independent Prep Schools of the Year in 2025.
The Independent Schools of the Year awards are designed to give independent schools an opportunity to celebrate and showcase their extraordinary achievements. Tockington Manor School and Nursery was one of only 18 prep schools shortlisted out of over 100 entries from across the country. There are 25 different categories within the awards and shortlists for each of the categories are drawn up based on merit by a completely independent panel of judges.
It has been a good year for recognition. In addition to the ISOTY award, we were also honoured to be recognised as one of the Top 20 Nurseries in the South West of England. Presented by Daynurseries.co.uk, the accolade recognises our exceptional nursery provision and commitment to early childhood education among over 1,300 other nurseries in the region.
A huge congratulations to all our staff and wider TMS community for their hard work and commitment in ensuring the very best care and provision for our pupils.
"Highly
recommend TMS to any parent looking for a place that truly fosters growth and happiness!"
OUR NURSERY
The Nursery has had another successful and exciting year.
To start the year, the Owls learnt all about themselves. Through games, conversations, and crafts, they shared their favourite things, families, and how they look and feel. The Woodpeckers children settled well and the class grew greatly in numbers during the year. One of their favourite activities was cookery with Esther, usually supported by Anna or Emily. The children demonstrated many onehanded skills in their preparation of biscuits, soups and sandwiches to name but a few. I have been very lucky to sample some of their end results and can honestly say they were amazing!
During the year, both classes enjoyed their Environmental Learning within the Nursery Garden and the school’s 28 acres. They planted bulbs, both indoors and outdoors, whilst safely using a variety of gardening tools to clear leaves, dig the soil and generally tidy up. They all continually observe the seasonal changes in our environment through flower and bug hunts; the weather; visiting the farmer’s fields
across the road to discover animal tracks and planted crops; and bird watching on the top field and woods using binoculars and reference books. The children use all their senses, listening, touching, smelling, looking for signs of new life including pond dipping in the school pond and tasting their cookery creations together, sometimes with their own made smoothies. This year, the Woodpeckers experienced Forest School with Miss Green. They made Christmas crafts using natural materials and cut wood in the Kitchen Garden.
Both classes celebrated Christmas by putting on a show for their families. The Owls produced a Christmas Nativity which they performed in the hall.
The Woodpeckers sang with actions to “The Forgetful Santa” and other Christmas hits, which was recorded and shared with parents. Both productions were fantastic and enjoyed by everyone.
The continuation of French Language classes for both Woodpeckers and Owls, taught by Mrs Gannon, again saw certificates awarded to individual children, celebrating their development, during TMS Speech Day.
The Nursery celebrates various cultures and events throughout the year. Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, saw everyone get together sharing costumes, decorations, dancing and
singing, learning the story through their Drama activities. For St Patrick’s Day, Irish dancing was introduced and enjoyed by everyone.
Our Music sessions play a large part in Nursery life. We visit the Music suite every week and are introduced to various musical instruments, such as Boom Whackers and Chime bars, focusing on rhythm, beat and pitch while, of course, learning new songs. The Nursery staff continue this during their weekly activities. We were lucky to invite a staff member’s parent to come and play her accordion. The children listened and were fascinated by its sound and then participated in some Country dancing.
Numerous sports activities for the Nursery children provide essential gross motor skills, from tag rugby, tennis, ball kicking, throwing and catching, to hoops, bean bags and of course team games - especially our latest annual Sports Day which was a great success! Every child received a medal for their participation.
Whilst the Nursery looks forward to another fantastic and successful year from September, as you know this is my final year. Thank you all for your continued support, commitment, dedication and partnership to help make TMS Nursery one of the top twenty in the South West area.
We are already looking forward to a very exciting year in 20252026.
Our Owls enjoy Maths too! Read more on Pg 47
Mrs Pearce
RECEPTION
The class of 2025 started school with bright sunshine and a sense of excitement! The children, as ever, bounded into school with enthusiasm and were delighted with the gifts they found on their tables. This year, the children received personalised water bottles in their House colour, which will follow them through the Pre-Prep. The children were also given a TMS helium balloon to take home at the end of the day. The first day was a huge success!
We started the term by learning about pets and animals, how to look after them, discovering who had what pets at home and how we could care for a variety of different animals. We moved our learning onto the story of ‘Noah’s Ark’ discussing all the themes the story has to offer. This led us into our first trip of the year which was a trip to Noah’s Ark farm, where the children played amongst a pumpkin patch before we had a workshop on a huge variety of animals. The children were also invited to hold guinea pigs and centipedes as well as a skin that a snake had shed. It was a fantastic day.
The children engaged quickly and positively with learning their phonics. We worked through our letter sounds and started to read early in the year. This allowed the children to become confident writers too and soon we were writing words and sentences using all our new techniques, we were very proud of the children. With key ring word practice too, they made huge progress using early reading techniques. This engagement with our Literacy curriculum has continued and as we close this academic year, we are very proud of every child because they are reading with fluency and confidence, well done, Reception!
The Autumn Term ended with our brilliant Nativity play. In their decorated Christmas T-shirts, the children sang twice to a full house; the songs were so catchy, they are still stuck in our heads! The naughty little elf played tricks every morning and the children started to get excited about Christmas. We discovered the Hungarian custom of cleaning shoes before the arrival of St. Nicolas and the children were very excited to receive a present for their immaculately clean wellies!
The Spring Term started with the promise of warmer and lighter days and the children settled quickly. We focused our learning on fables and traditional stories. The children enjoyed this genre of storytelling and we spent time discussing the moral of each tale. We made some super works of art, making peg ants and grasshoppers as well as producing some beautiful paintings of lions for the Lion and the Mouse. It was an excellent topic, one which we all learned from. We visited St. Mary’s church in Olveston and we were guided through the Easter story by Reverend David and Reverend Ann.
It was lovely to share a community space with others. The children made some lovely stained glass windows and enjoyed the peace and tranquility of working inside a church. Although a short term, the children continued to blossom academically. They worked hard in Maths and Literacy and we continued to challenge them with their reading on a daily basis.
Finally, the Summer Term was upon us and any opportunity was taken to learn outside. We planted our sunflowers ready for the new
Reception intake in September. We looked after the sweet peas that Mark had kindly planted for us and learnt about our environment using different genres of books based around our learning. We hatched butterflies, made a garden for the giant from a story called ‘The Garden Giant’, sewed hedgehogs and made origami frogs. After half term, we held our Pre-Prep Summer Concert and the children confidently took to the stage to sing a few songs for the audience. They were brilliant! After the concert we invited the school and parents to attend our art exhibition, where the children guided their parents and other guests through their artwork. It was a very successful afternoon!
The last few weeks of term had us enjoying an exciting variety of activities including a trip to Pizza Express, where we learned how to make an authentic Italian pizza
alongside exploring the idea of healthy, balanced eating; Activity Week with its plethora of fun activities; and our very own show which we performed in the hall to our parents. The children also got stuck in at sports day, led by our amazing Year 8 ambassadors. After all of these amazing activities it was time to say goodbye to the class of 2025. Children, you have all made such huge progress and we are incredibly proud of you. Enjoy your summer break.
Mrs Abraham, Mrs West, Mrs Neil and Miss Turpin
YEAR 1
What a joyful, jam-packed and simply unforgettable year we’ve had in Year 1!
From the very first day, the children arrived full of wide-eyed wonder as they were met with a classroom turned upside down! Chairs were stacked on tables, whiteboards scribbled with mystery messages and there were even vegetables stuck to the walls… the work of none other than the Evil Pea! But fear not, our brilliant young superheroes were quick to take action. With capes on and imaginations in full flight, they built traps, wrote wanted posters and helped rescue Supertato and his friends. Peace was restored… for now!
It’s been a year rich in hands-on learning, where every day brought a new adventure. In Maths, we explored numbers through practical investigations - measuring, building, problem-solving and even using mini marshmallows to explore halves (with a few tasty extras enjoyed along the way!). Numicon, scales, cubes and some very enthusiastic teamwork made Maths fun and engaging. The children enjoyed developing their real-world maths skills with lots of opportunities for different measurement investigations. We used weighing scales, rulers and cups to measure weight, length, height and capacity.
Our topic learning has whisked us across time and continentsfrom meeting remarkable figures like Florence Nightingale and Neil Armstrong, to discovering animals around the world, exploring weather patterns and blasting off into space. It’s been a joy to see the children’s faces light up with wonder at each new discovery.
became palaeontologists, writing fact files, reports and even step-by-step instructions on how to care for a dinosaur of their own.
In the Spring Term, we became weather watchers and roving reporters. Armed with rain gauges, windsocks and handmade weathervanes, the children kept their own weather diaries and recorded the weather each day. They were natural presenters when we filmed our very own green screen weather reports. A few future TV presenters may well have been discovered!
Our Science and DT learning has kept curious minds buzzing all year. From learning about the human body to exploring the properties of materials, the children were always hands-on, inquisitive and engaged. We took part in a smell test, where we had to guess what was in the mystery pots using only our noses. During the Summer Term, we explored materials and their properties. We used heat to test which materials would be the best insulators for a space suit and the children designed and built their very own rockets using recycled materials. We tested, modified and launched them across the school field with huge excitement. The cheers at each “lift-off” were unforgettable!
Our Forest School sessions with Miss Green gave us regular opportunities to get muddy, adventurous and inspired. Whether we were planting seeds, creating woodland artwork, making bird feeders or simply enjoying a quiet hot chocolate around the fire, Forest School became a treasured part of our curriculum. A chance for us all to build resilience, confidence and joy in the great outdoors.
This year, we’ve also taken time to pause, reflect and grow. In Religious Studies, we explored celebrations
and beliefs from Buddhism, Sikhism, and Christianity, broadening our understanding of the world and developing respect for different cultures. In PSHE, we learned about healthy bodies and healthy minds. Our ‘mindful moments’ gave us time to breathe deeply, listen to our chime bar and watch our glitter jars settle. A gentle reminder of the importance of stillness and self-care, even in a busy classroom!
And how could we forget our sparkling Christmas performance, Strictly the Nativity? With sequins, line dancing, ballet and sensational singing, the children wowed the audience with their energy and confidence on stage. It was a moment of magic that we’ll all remember.
Year 1, you have amazed us with your enthusiasm, your creativity, your laughter and your kindness. You’ve worked so hard, tried new things and grown in more ways than you know. We couldn’t be prouder of you all.
Thank you for a truly special year. You will be missed!
Miss Phillips, Mrs Coles, Mrs Pearce, Mrs Britt and Miss Turpin
YEAR 2
Miss Gooch, Miss Codd, Jackie and Lauren have had a whirlwind year with Year 2, one bursting with creativity, laughter, and boundless enthusiasm for learning!
We kicked off the Autumn Term with a thrilling deep dive into engineering excellence. Inspired by the legendary Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Year 2 became budding engineers, digging tunnels, constructing incredible bridges, and even voyaging to Australia as Victorian passengers aboard the magnificent SS Great Britain. Our cross-curricular adventures soared as English lessons stirred up magical mischief with George’s Marvellous Medicine, while in Maths, we turned into savvy shoppers, comparing prices to budget for a festive Christmas cake. From sipping tea at a classic English Tea Party to mastering the lyrical lilt of Welsh, our whirlwind tour of the UK in Geography was unforgettable. Finally, with sequins, spotlights and stageready smiles, we danced and dazzled in our sparkling Nativity show, Lights, Camel, Action!
Spring Term was bursting with scientific discovery! Children proudly presented homemade habitat boxes and visited Bristol Zoo Project, delving into the fascinating world of animals, habitats, and adaptation. With Buddy Bee as our trusty guide, we buzzed around the globe, uncovering wonders from every continent. In English, our penguin fact files were as cool as ice, carefully researched and cleverly written. Penguins popped up again in Maths, becoming life-sized models in our measuring topic before splashing into water parks in our imaginative maths stories!
The sparks kept flying as we lit up our Science topic on electricity. Year 2’s eyes gleamed with curiosity as they built circuits and explored the power of batteries. On Disney Day, they channelled their inner explorers, using map-reading magic to navigate the wonders of Disneyland. Castle Week transported us straight into the pages of a fairy tale, complete with a majestic medieval feast, dancing nobles, and artistic creations inspired
by Mary Blair’s bold shapes and colours. Our exploration of the Great Fire of London sparked some stunning stained glass window art that lit up our classroom. We pondered about life before modern tech during our Activity Week by becoming time travellers, discovering the past firsthand during a fabulous trip to St Fagans, where history truly came to life.
From tunnels to castles, penguins to parties, what an incredible, joy-filled journey it has been. Year 2, you’ve amazed us every step of the way!
Miss Gooch and Miss Codd
What an incredible journey we've had in Year 3! This school year has been packed full of exciting learning and hands-on experiences. From fascinating topics in History and Geography to bringing books to life, the classroom has been buzzing with curiosity, creativity and collaboration.
The Autumn Term started off with a bang! We kicked off the year by diving into The Hodgeheg by Dick KingSmith. This story not only improved our reading skills but also taught us about road safety in a fun and memorable way. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed exploring Max’s adventurous journey and discussing the themes of determination and resilience.
In Geography, we became budding cartographers during our field study. Using real maps and digital tools, we developed our understanding of local geography and map-making skills.
Meanwhile, in History, we took a step back in time to explore the fascinating world of the Ancient Greeks. From learning about Greek gods and goddesses to discovering what life was like in Athens and Sparta, we were captivated by their stories and achievements. Creating our own Greek pottery designs and even trying a mini-Olympics helped us connect to the ancient world in a truly immersive way.
Learning in Year 3 didn’t stop at the classroom door. Some of our most memorable experiences happened beyond it! We enjoyed our visit to the Bristol Museum, where we deepened our understanding of Ancient Greek life, seeing real artefacts up close, including pottery, sculptures and tools from ancient times, which helped bring our history lessons to life. We took part in a trip to the Bristol Hippodrome to see the pantomime, enjoyed the Christmas Fayre and took part in many successful sports fixtures.
YEAR 3
The Spring Term was another exciting chapter in our Year 3 learning journey. In English, our imaginations soared as we explored the world of myths and legends. We read a range of traditional tales and then used what we had learned to plan and write our very own quest myths. The children created heroes, creatures, objects, and mysterious lands. Our Geography focus took us far from home as we investigated the country of Kenya.
We compared life there with our own, explored the country’s climate and landscapes, and discovered the importance of tourism and wildlife conservation.
In History, we journeyed back in time to study the Celts and Romans. We explored the differences between the two cultures and the impact of the Roman invasion on Britain. To bring this topic to life, we visited Caerleon, a former Roman fortress in Wales. We explored the Roman baths, looked at the ancient mosaics and visited the barracks where Roman soldiers once lived. One of the most memorable moments was using our newly decorated Roman shields to form a traditional testudo (tortoise) formation, just like real Roman legionaries! To celebrate our learning, we ended the topic with a Roman banquet, complete with food, music and even a few toga-clad Romans!
As our Year 3 journey neared its end, the Summer Term proved to be a busy one. In English, our learning was inspired by the story The Great Kapok Tree. This book not only supported our reading and writing skills but also tied in perfectly with our Geography topic on the Amazon Rainforest. We learned about the layers of the rainforest, the unique animals and plants that live there, and the importance of protecting such a vital ecosystem. A highlight was the rainforest food tasting session, where children got to try exotic fruits and
ingredients commonly found in the Amazon.
Our History topic focused on the world of the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. We explored where they came from, how they lived, and how they shaped Britain. One of the most enjoyable parts of the unit was examining the Bayeux Tapestry and trying to piece it all together. A standout moment was our Viking raid experience! We climbed aboard our "longships" (and got a little wet in the process!), then charged into mock battles with other “villages”.
A proud moment came when Year 3 took part in a Shakespeare Festival, performing with confidence and flair. Each child played an important role in bringing Shakespeare’s words to life, a brilliant achievement!
The Summer Term was packed with events and opportunities. The Rainbow Dash was a huge hit, full of colour, laughter, and lots of running! Year 3 showed fantastic spirit and plenty of smiles as they made their way around the course. Activity Week was full of fun. This year, our theme was inspired by the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the countries taking part in it.
We are incredibly proud of everything Year 3 has achieved this year and know they will carry their enthusiasm for learning into Year 4 and beyond.
Well done, Year 3—you’ve been amazing!
Mrs Glanville & Mrs Greenbank
Year 3 and 4 Shakespeare Festival
For two evenings in the Summer Term, Tockington Manor School was transformed into the Globe Theatre as Years 3 and 4 took to the stage for their Shakespeare Festival. With creativity, passion and a touch of comedy, the young performers brought three of the Bard’s most iconic Tragedies to life – with their own unique twist!
The Festival opened with Year 4R’s moving rendition of Romeo & Juliet. From heartfelt monologues to dramatic duels, the children captured the emotional depth of Shakespeare’s timeless love story with great maturity. Next came Year 3’s performance of Hamlet. The young actors tackled the complex themes of revenge and confusion with impressive confidence. Hamlet’s soliloquy – “To be or not to be” – was delivered with clarity and feeling, proving that even the youngest pupils can shine with Shakespeare. Closing the evening was Year 4F’s thrilling interpretation of Macbeth. Complete with witches, dramatic lightning effects, and a slow-motion battle at the end, this performance had the audience on the edge of their seats.
Adding to the fun of the Festival were the humorous interludes scattered between each play. William Shakespeare, aptly played by our very own William, tried to educate the audience on his life and works only to be constantly interrupted by the likes of Steps and the BeeGees!
The festival wasn’t just about Shakespeare – it was a celebration of confidence, collaboration, and the joy of performance. The pupils’ dedication was clear in every line spoken and every scene shared. The Shakespeare Festival was a roaring success, leaving the audience entertained, amused and a little impressed at what Year 3 and 4 can achieve with a quill, a stage and a little Shakespearean magic.
Well done, Year 3 and 4!
Mrs Glanville
What an unforgettable year we have had in Year 4! Their enthusiasm for every aspect of school life has been infectious. Whether tackling tricky Maths problems, diving into a new book, or getting stuck into creative projects in humanities, they have given it their all. They have not only made huge strides in their learning but have also created a classroom atmosphere that has been a genuine joy to be part of each and every day.
We began the Autumn Term diving into rich and exciting topics. In History, the children explored the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt, designing Egyptian houses, crafting Egyptian costumes and even creating their very own Egyptian menu. A visit to the Bristol Museum’s Ancient Egyptian workshop helped bring the past vividly to life. Meanwhile, in Geography, we journeyed across India to explore
YEAR 4
its rich and diverse geography, political features and climate. We compared major cities, looked at cultural traditions and gained a deeper understanding of how life varies across this vast country, before ending with a closer look at daily life in the village of Chembakolli. In English, imaginations ran wild as the children invented their own mythical creatures and wrote detailed non-chronological reports full of creativity and flair.
In Maths, they built confidence in number facts and operations, setting key foundations for more mathematical challenges to come. The Autumn also brought exciting moments representing the school in fixtures and House Matches, as well as joyful whole school moments such as the pantomime trip to the Bristol Hippodrome, the Christmas Fayre and our lovely Carol Service.
The Spring Term brought change and excitement. We said a fond farewell to Mrs Shopland as she began her maternity leave and later welcomed her baby boy, Raffy. At the same time, we were delighted to have Miss Forrest join the Year 4 team, bringing her warmth and energy to the classroom. Our English lessons were full of dramatic flair as we explored Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, alongside the hilarious book Rock Bottom. We were incredibly lucky to watch The Royal Shakespeare Company perform, A Midsummer Night’s Dream live, sparking thoughtful discussion and plenty of laughter.
In History, our World Explorers topic inspired budding adventurers to learn about key expeditions throughout history (although the hard tack biscuits were definitely not a hit!). In Geography, we brought our learning closer to home, mastering OS map symbols, grid references and navigating local landscapes. We also had great fun designing our own settlement at the end of our Geography topic. In Maths, we tackled a range of topics including decimals, fractions, metric conversions and money. One of the highlights was planning a half term party with a strict £200 budget. Some pupils proved to be impressively frugal, though we are still not sure there would have been enough food to go around with their plans! Alongside our learning, we enjoyed World Book Day, an Easter Egg Hunt, Fixtures, House Matches and the swimming gala.
The Summer Term arrived in a flash! Our classes were completely gripped by our new class novel, The Nothing to See Here Hotel by Steven Butler. We journeyed to the heart of the Aztec Empire in History, creating fierce warrior shields and eye catching headdresses ready for TMS’ grand Aztec Feast. The children particularly enjoyed sampling foods from the era, avocado remained a firm favourite!
Alongside learning their lines for the Shakespeare Festival, the children delivered a fantastic Class Assembly on Bravery. In Geography, we explored Europe, learning about both its geographical and political features. To finish the topic, each child was assigned a European country using a random spinner. The tension was high, just as some thought they had secured their country, the wheel would shift ever so slightly at the last moment, changing everything! Once the dust settled, the children threw themselves into researching their allocated countries in pairs and produced some fantastic PowerPoint presentations. We also celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE day. In Maths, we explored geometry, covering perimeter, area, angles, graphs, coordinates, shape position and movement, while also continuing to build fluency in all four operations. The term was topped off with celebrating Women’s Rugby through our Activity Week theme, House Cricket and the Inter House Athletics.
As we look back on the year, we are truly proud of everything our Year 4 children have achieved. They have been an absolute delight, hardworking, imaginative and always ready to support one another. It has been a joy to teach them and to watch them grow not only academically, but as kind and thoughtful individuals.
Thank you for a truly incredible year! Mrs Shopland, Mrs Ross and Miss Forrest
YEAR 5
It has been a fantastic year for our Year 5 children. The pupils quickly settled into life in Year 5 and embraced the expectations and routines that come with it. From the outset, they demonstrated enthusiasm, determination, and a strong sense of community that has developed throughout the year.
In the Autumn Term the children engaged fully with the Rugby and Hockey seasons, as well as CrossCountry, where many pupils set new personal bests. Forest School sessions with Miss Green gave the children opportunities to explore and learn in a different setting. As part of their move into the upper part of the School, they adjusted well to new routines and welcomed the increased independence. During shared form times, Miss Green and Mr Reeves ran a weekly quiz that quickly became a popular tradition. With rounds ranging from Disney and general knowledge to Geography, the quiz promoted teamwork and healthy competition across the year group. The term finished with a memorable trip to the Bristol Hippodrome to see a remake
Spring Term brought the Football and Netball seasons, with both boys and girls participating in their weekly fixtures. One of the highlights was the Year 5 and 6 musical, a lively rendition of Finding Nemo. The catchy songs had the whole school tapping along, and the show even inspired Reception to create their own version! During shared Form times, the focus turned to origami. The children learned how to fold paper flowers, which they then turned into a bouquet for Mother’s Day, a creative and thoughtful outcome that reflected their effort and perseverance.
In the Summer Term, the Cricket season allowed boys and girls to play together in mixed teams, a much-enjoyed part of the sporting calendar. The children also took part in various Athletics events, and the IAPS Swimming Gala in London was a standout success, with the boys’ team
becoming national champions, an outstanding achievement. The term also included tennis matches, an action-packed Activities Week, the first-ever Rainbow Run, and a wide range of other events. It was a busy but rewarding way to close the year.
We welcomed two new pupils over the year and it was heartening to see how kind and supportive the children were in helping them feel settled. Well done, Year 5, you’ve shown great enthusiasm and made the most of every opportunity. We are proud of all you’ve accomplished and wish you the very best for Year 6!
Mr Reeves and Miss Green
YEAR 6
What an incredible year it has been for our Year 6 group! From the very first day, this vibrant, enthusiastic and kind-hearted cohort has embraced every opportunity and challenge with a wonderful spirit of curiosity, determination and teamwork. Their journey through the school year has been filled with learning, laughter and unforgettable experiences.
A real highlight was their outstanding performance in the school production of Finding Nemo. The cast truly brought the ocean to life with colour, music and heart. Each child played their part beautifully, whether swimming through lines of dialogue or dancing with joy. The production showcased their creativity, confidence and ability to work together to create something truly special.
Academically, the group shone across the board. They represented the school with pride in a number of maths challenges, solving complex problems with impressive teamwork and logic. Their effort and enthusiasm proved just how much they have grown as learners. Several pupils demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic commitment throughout the year, preparing diligently for their first DELF diploma. Their hard work paid off, with every student passing and achieving an impressive combined average of 90%, a truly outstanding result! Their river study was another standout moment, immersing themselves in hands-on geography, collecting data, and understanding how rivers shape our world. It was wonderful to see their curiosity thrive in the great outdoors.
Activity Week brought adventure, excitement, and plenty of smiles. Surfing proved to be both challenging and thrilling, and the students showed bravery and resilience as they took to the waves. Whether on the beach or learning a new language, it was a week filled with laughter and lasting connections. This year has also been marked by a strong sense of community. New pupils joined Year 6 and were warmly welcomed, quickly becoming an integral part of the group. Their kindness and inclusivity have been a credit to the entire year.
Madame Gannon & Mr Harvey-Knowles
Year 7 has had a fantastic year. Our Form time gave us a great opportunity to catch up with friends, reflect on weekend highlights or recent sports fixtures, and prepare for the day ahead. The children have embraced the academic challenges and Common Entrance preparation with maturity, making full use of teacher support, clubs and the many opportunities available to them.
Year 7 worked particularly hard in the lead-up to the mock exams immediately after half term and now have a clear understanding of the standards expected of them in Year 8. The year group also welcomed four new pupils with open arms. These students have since settled in seamlessly - so much so that it now feels as though they’ve always been part of the group!
YEAR 7
A particular highlight of Form time this year has been Paired Reading with Class 1P. It’s been a joy to see the Year 7s form bonds with the younger pupils, support their reading, and enjoy quality time together.
In September, Year 7 set off for their first adventure of the year - camp! When asked to reflect on their favourite moment of the year, Year 7 unanimously chose their experience with Year 8 away in the Brecon Beacons.
Other standout events this year included House Talent, Sports Day, the Geography trip, and the Rainbow Dash.
A special mention goes to the seven Year 7 pupils - George C, Harrison C, Emma F, Theo G, Joe L, Sienna R, and Issy Pwho were selected to represent the school at the National Touch Rugby Championships:
This is a bright, cohesive, and entertaining year group, bursting with talent. We are confident they will go on to have a successful Year 8 - and we will miss them!
Mrs Davis, Mr Ross and Mr Phillips
What a fun-filled and action-packed year it has been for our Year 8 pupils! From the very beginning, this lively and enthusiastic group have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into every challenge and opportunity, showing teamwork, resilience, and plenty of good humour along the way.
The year began with the muchanticipated Geography trip, which provided the perfect blend of learning and laughter. From rock-pooling adventures and beach games to carefully measuring gradients with clinometers and callipers, the pupils embraced both the academic and the practical sides of the subject. There was no shortage of memorable moments – from Finley’s unexpected
YEAR 8
dip in the water to the discovery of ‘Lizzy’ the dinosaur-shaped log! Orienteering, map reading, and even the infamous ‘Gary the Globe’ added extra fun, making it a trip to remember.
On the sports field, Year 8 shone brightly. The girls enjoyed an excellent year of Hockey and Netball, showing grit and determination in every match. The boys had a phenomenal Rugby season, going almost unbeaten and recording some impressive victories. Football brought further excitement, with the 1st XI capping their season by beating Clifton High 4–0, and the 2nd XI also notching a fantastic 6–0 win against Clifton College. Cricket rounded off the sporting year, with every run hard-fought and competitive matches showcasing the pupils’ skill and teamwork. A special highlight was the group’s triumph at the U13 Mixed Touch Rugby National Finals, where, after sweeping through the
group stages and semi-final, they emerged as national champions – an achievement celebrated with plenty of water (and not just from the opposing teams!).
Drama also played a starring role this year, with the Year 7 and 8 production of The Wind in the Willows. The cast worked tirelessly from auditions to performance, bringing the beloved characters to life with energy, humour and flair. From the lively fight scene to the joy of donning costumes for the first time, every moment was a celebration of teamwork and creativity. Those working behind the scenes played an equally vital part, ensuring the production was a memorable success.
The annual Wales trip to Manorbier was another highlight, filled with adventure and camaraderie. Pupils threw themselves into a wide range
of activities – from coasteering, kayaking and bodyboarding in chilly waters to abseiling, archery and bushcraft on dry land. Team-building challenges and evenings around the campfire roasting marshmallows brought everyone closer together, strengthening the strong bonds of friendship that define this group.
This year also saw pupils exploring new sporting opportunities through the Pathway Programme. Padel proved a popular discovery during their coaching and match sessions. It was wonderful to see them embrace this fast-growing game with such enthusiasm.
Year 8, you have approached your final year with energy, kindness and determination, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, learning and achievement. We are incredibly proud of everything you have accomplished and wish you all the very best as you take your next steps.
Mrs Byrne and Mr Glanville
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Tockington Manor School and Nursery
ENGLISH
The English Department has enjoyed yet another incredible year, marked by three action-packed terms filled with captivating literature and enriching texts. It has been a joy to witness the brilliant lessons crafted by our staff. From fables in Reception to performing poetry in Year 4 and exploring dystopia in Year 7, pupils have been fully immersed in their learning.
Year 5
Year 5 had a fantastic year, particularly enjoying a new topic - Fantasy. We introduced two new novels: Rumblestar by Abi Elphinstone and Clockwork by Philip Pullman. These imaginative stories inspired the children to create their own fantastical writing, full of magical worlds and characters.
In the Spring Term, pupils studied Shakespeare’s final play, The Tempest, followed by a collection of nature-inspired poetry, including Blake’s The Tyger and Wordsworth’s I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud. The children created personal anthologies inspired by nature.
Year 6
The year concluded with traditional and subverted fairy tales, focusing on the works of the Brothers Grimm and Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes. Pupils wrote and illustrated their own subverted fairy tales, beautifully crafted for a younger audience. Moving into non-fiction, the classes debated whether fairy tales remain relevant for children today, with particular insight into how portrayals of female characters have evolved.
A highlight for Year 5 was being among the first children in the country to read the opening chapters of Pamela Butchart’s new novel, The Billionaire Boy. Their reviews were even used to help promote the novel online.
Year 6 also had an exciting year, starting with the novel Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver. Set in the Middle Stone Age, this fictional story provided a vivid snapshot of ancient civilisation. After Christmas, the class dramatically explored Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Pupils delved into the genre of comedy, examining dramatic irony and character development, particularly Benedick’s sudden declaration of love for Beatrice after being tricked. They then analysed a range of poems and modern songs linked by themes of love and heartbreak, including Grenade by Bruno Mars and Me! by Taylor Swift. The class also explored the poetic form of the sonnet and created their own poems and lyrics, using Shakespearean characters as inspiration.
In the Summer Term, the focus was on storytelling. Pupils examined the evolution of stories and how their purposes have changed, especially in Ancient Greece, the birthplace of theatre and rhetoric. They wrote and delivered persuasive speeches about their favourite Greek gods and invented magical objects for them, presenting persuasive adverts and pitching their ideas in a “Dragons’ Den” style format.
Year 7
Year 7 kicked off the year with a deep dive into Detective Fiction. Pupils explored classic detectives such as Sherlock Holmes and modern counterparts like Sally Lockhart, using their own detective skills to solve mysteries. They particularly enjoyed investigating the true story of the Flannan Isle mystery, crafting a range of compelling journalistic articles.
The Spring Term focused on Shakespeare and poetry. Pupils read Macbeth for the first time, impressing us with their ability to track character development, identify tragic flaws, and analyse the use of dramatic irony, all while linking ideas to the context of Elizabethan society. They then studied war poetry, including works by Wilfred Owen and Lord Alfred Tennyson. Pupils wrote their own powerful poems, emulating the harrowing imagery of war and the persuasive style of wartime propaganda.
Dystopia took centre stage in the Summer Term. Pupils explored extracts from 1984 by George Orwell and The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. They considered the downfall of ancient civilisations and reflected on potential modern-day challenges, such as global warming and technological dependence. Pupils created original dystopian worlds through creative writing, followed by non-fiction tasks such as writing balanced arguments on whether robots are friend or foe and the implications of AI in warfare.
Year 7s performed well in their end-ofyear English exams, which followed a Common Entrance-style format to prepare them for what lies ahead. Following the exams, they supported the Year 8s in the Leavers’ Play, The Wind in the Willows.
Year 8
The year began with a study of Gothic Literature. Many GCSE texts contain Gothic elements, so this early exposure will be invaluable. Pupils explored classics such as Frankenstein and Dracula, identifying symbolism, colour connotations, and literary techniques like dramatic irony and foreshadowing. They applied this knowledge to their own Gothic horror stories, filled with eerie settings and dark motifs.
We then turned to a modern Gothic tale, Roald Dahl’s The Landlady, analysing how Dahl incorporates traditional Gothic features while subverting expectations to create an unsettling twist.
The rest of the year was dedicated to preparing for the English Common Entrance Exam. Pupils learned the format and practised key skills
for both the Reading and Writing papers—analysing unseen texts and responding creatively and analytically. These papers mirror the structure of the GCSE Language exam, providing valuable experience. We're pleased to report that the class performed brilliantly in both their mock and final exams!
After the exams, our English lessons shifted focus to rehearsals for The Wind in the Willows. Pupils fully embraced the production, with standout performances from Mole, Ratty, and Toad. It was a real team effort and a joy to see the rest of the school introduced to this literary classic.
It has been a brilliant year, and we wish our Year 8s all the very best in their senior schools.
Mrs Aldridge
World Book Day
A favourite for many pupils, World Book Day was another joyful celebration of literature! The day began with a whole-school assembly, followed by a catwalk of wonderful costumes and a dance-off.
Pupils matched teachers to their favourite picture books and participated in a full schedule of exciting, engaging lessons. Many joined live sessions hosted by publishers like Penguin and Scholastic. Highlights included illustrating emotions with Nadia Shireen, creating mischievous fairies with Huw Aaron, and inventing characters using the dictionary with Beth Lincoln. In Pre-Prep, pupils took part in “speed dating” with books, giving them a taste of a wide range of texts.
From the Library
It has been another wonderfully busy year in the library!
Our much-loved Milkshake Mondays have continued throughout the year, offering children from all year groups the chance to visit the library during break time for a story, a reading activity, and a tasty snack. We’ve had great fun finding rhyming words in stories, exploring fairy tales, discovering tales from different cultures—and so much more! A big thank you to our fantastic catering team for providing us with delicious milkshakes, hot chocolates, and biscuits. We truly appreciate their hard work and support.
Accelerated Reader remains a popular tool in schools, playing an important role in developing strong reading habits among children from Years 2 to 8. This year, we were thrilled to celebrate a record-breaking 42 children at our final Millionaires’ Tea Party, marking a further increase in the number of students reaching their Word Count milestones.
This year, the library proudly hosted the Spring Term Creative Writing Club. Pupils explored setting descriptions and practised using a range of sentence structures and punctuation in their own imaginative writing.
We were once again delighted by the standard of entries submitted to the Young Writers creative writing competition. Many children had their poems published in a range of books—an incredible achievement and a wonderful showcase of their talent.
Our library continues to thrive, thanks to the generous donations from parents and the exciting new books we were able to acquire using rewards from our successful Book Fair in March. We’re already looking forward to next year’s events: our March Book Fair and a brand-new one coming just before Christmas in early December!
A heartfelt thank you goes to our wonderful parent volunteers, who so generously give their time to support children in the library during lunchtimes. Your help makes a huge difference.
Mrs Byrne
Handwriting and Presentation Competition
It was another fantastic year for the Handwriting and Presentation Competition. The artistic flair and precision on display never fail to impress. It serves as an important reminder of the value of neat handwriting and strong presentation skills across all subjects. Pre-Prep certainly gave Prep a run for their money! Pupils took their illustrations to new heights, adding paint and glitter to give their work that extra “X Factor.”
The Science Department continued to go from strength to strength in 2025.
Our Year 3 pupils had access to the Science Lab from September and they made the most of every opportunity to develop their practical skills in our specialist space, enjoying activities such as dissecting flowers in the Spring Term. The Year 4 children continued on this journey and were introduced to new methodologies and equipment, including using power packs to create circuits. The introduction of Bunsen burners in Year 5 is always a highlight of the year and allows our pupils their first experience of more in-depth practical experiments. For example, understanding the differences between hydrated and anhydrous copper sulphate crystals and the techniques we can use to convert them.
SCIENCE
In Year 6 the children built on their practical skills and began exploring more challenging scientific topics such as genetics. A particular highlight for Year 5 and 6 was a visit from Badminton School where they performed their “Liquid Nitrogen Show”. Towards the end of the year, Year 6 commenced their Common Entrance topics in preparation for the transition to Year 7.
It has been another successful exam season in the Science Lab. All the Year 7 and 8 pupils worked really hard on the Common Entrance syllabus and obtained very pleasing results which each child was rightly proud of.
We continue to be committed to delivering the CREST awards programme, British Science
Association's scheme for STEM project work from Years 3 to 6 in class time. Year 2 also has the opportunity to earn an award as part of our extracurricular CREST club offering. We are looking forward to another exciting year in the Science Lab in 2025-2026.
Mr Glanville and Miss Green
MATHEMATICS
It has been another incredibly busy and successful year for the Maths Department. We were delighted to welcome Mr Reeves to the team this year, teaching alongside Mrs Davis. He has quickly established himself as an inspirational teacher and tutor to students across the Prep School. His enthusiasm, expertise and fresh perspective have already made a significant impact and we look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.
As in previous years, we were delighted to enter many of our students into national mathematics competitions, giving them the opportunity to practise problemsolving, showcase their abilities and, most importantly, enjoy the subject. For the second year running, pupils in Years 3 and 4 took part in the First Maths Challenge. A big well done to all those who participated and gave it their best.
First Maths Challenge
Bronze – Allegra B, Archie C, Clara C, Faris L, Flo F, Harry Ba, Imogen P, Jack H, Jaden O, Max K, Oscar C, Pranava V, Ranveer C, Vito D, Wilf B
Silver – Amy G, Harry Bl, Joshan M, Zoey Z
Gold – David L
Our students in Years 5 and 6 entered the Primary Maths Challenge, while those in Years 7 and 8 took on the Junior Maths Challenge, organised by the UKMT.
Primary ChallengeMaths
Bronze – Diya D, Efan D, Evie P, Herbie D, Isabelle D, Jasper B, Rapha G, Rex G, Richard L, Rosemary H, Sophie G
Silver – Effie M, Evie S, Patrick M, Teddy S
Gold – Anthony K, Aryansham S, Dudu Y, Hugh P, Bella H,
Bonus Round competitor –Aryansham S, Dudu Y
All three competitions feature demanding questions that encourage mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using key techniques to solve engaging and thought-provoking problems. These challenges are specifically designed to promote a love of problem-solving. While the questions are in multiplechoice format, they are carefully crafted to encourage thinking rather than guessing.
Congratulations to all students on their achievements - and a special mention to the below pupils who earned awards for their outstanding performances.
Junior Maths Challenge
Maths Challenge days
Bronze – George C, Léon F, Max H, Issy P, Oscar B, Amelie K
Silver – Hongyi Z, Gloria D
Gold – Alex FW, Bertie M
Kangaroo round competitor –Bertie M
Congratulations to Bertie for achieving a Bronze award in this bonus round.
Year 6 Maths Challenge –Redmaids’
In November, four Year 6 pupils represented our school at a Maths Challenge hosted by Redmaids' High, joining over 50 other children from schools across Bristol.
The school hall was buzzing with excitement as teams raced to solve a range of challenging Maths problems. The event featured several rounds, including Countdown and other engaging problem-solving tasks.
Tommy G, Jasper B, Will B and Max A did a sterling job representing the school, demonstrating excellent determination, teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the afternoon.
Year 6 Maths Challenge –Clifton College
Some of our brightest Year 6 mathematicians travelled to Clifton College to compete in a Maths Challenge against 15 other teams. Our team excelled in all four rounds:
Group round - work as a team to complete 15 questions in 40 minutes
Crossnumber - work as a team to complete this crossword with numbers in 45 minutes
Shuttle - work in a pair to pass on the correct answers to your other pair, to be used in their calculation
Relay - lots of running the correct answers to your marker and then to your other pair
They faced tough competition from other local prep schools, including Clifton High, Clifton College, Dean Close, Collegiate, Redmaids', QEH, Westonbirt and many more. Our team came out on top and emerged as the winners of the challenge! The team, consisting of Dudu Y, Hugh P, Patrick M, and Bella H, performed exceptionally well and were each awarded an impressive trophy for their efforts. Huge congratulations to the entire team. We are incredibly proud of you all!
Year 5 & 6 Maths Challenge –Clifton College
A fantastic new event was introduced this year, bringing together students from Tockington and Clifton in an afternoon of maths, teamwork and friendship-building. Designed to foster collaboration and conversation, the event grouped students into mixed teams - two from Tockington and two from Clifton - encouraging them to get to know each other and work together to solve a series of fun and challenging problems.
After an icebreaker, which saw the students enthusiastically introduce themselves, share stories about their schools and quickly form new friendships, they tackled four exciting rounds. These included a warm-up, a countdown-style challenge, a logic puzzle to test their reasoning and deduction skills, and a relay round which involved fast-paced problemsolving in a team format.
A huge congratulations to all our participants who entered the afternoon with an exemplary attitude and represented your schools brilliantly.
Final Results:
1st Place: Alex E & Bella R
2nd Place: Brendan B & Robert O
3rd Place: Hannah B & Sienna B
Well done to each and every one of you!
Year 5 & 6 Maths Challenge –Cheltenham College
Our Year 5 team consisting of Effie M, Rosemary H, Toby B and Rapha G, and the Year 6 team consisting of Aryansham S, Efan D, Anthony K and Luke H, travelled to Cheltenham College to participate in the UKMT Primary Team Maths Challenge. Top mathematicians in the region, from both year groups, represented their school and competed in four rounds to earn points for their team.
Both teams did exceptionally well, with the Year 6s performing outstandingly in the relay, while the Year 5s excelled in the group round. A huge well done to both teams for your effort, teamwork and mathematical skills!
Year 5 & 6 Maths Challenge –Tockington Manor School
In May, we welcomed some of Clifton College's young mathematicians to join forces with our Year 5 and 6 pupils for a fun-filled Maths Challenge. The mixed teams tackled three exciting rounds and it was fantastic to see such great collaboration within the teams - pupils shared ideas, explained strategies and supported one another throughout.
A huge well done to all competitors who took part with such enthusiasm and gave the afternoon their all!
Final Results:
1st – Team 8, made up of Bea B, Lois R, and Theodore H from TMS
2nd – Team 6, including Ayla T and Hattie R from TMS
3rd – Team 4, featuring Rosalie C and Herbie D from TMS
Counting Cubs
Year 7 and 8 students take on the rewarding challenge of leading maths-based activities with the Owls in Nursery. Working in small groups, they have successfully planned and delivered engaging sessions that not only support early mathematical learning but also build their own leadership and communication skills.
Through activities such as giant dice rolling, number songs, shape hunts, and matching games, the older students have helped the Owls explore mathematical concepts through fun and play. The Owls thoroughly enjoy spending time with their Year 7 and 8 buddies and the older students always leave with big smiles and a real sense of achievement.
MAT group
The More Able and Talented Maths group began this school year with the National Cipher Challenge from the University of Southampton. Our growing MAT group gave this challenge a very good go before their age ruled them out of future rounds. Well done on getting as far as you did through ‘The Mystery of the Silver Bullet’. We have also looked at Additional level algebra in depth and worked through Problem-Solving challenges as a group.
Well done to Alex F-W, Basil B, Bertie M, Gloria D, Oscar B, Hugo L, George C, Joseph L, Léon F and Jasper H for their dedication this year.
Common Entrance
Year 8 have produced a strong set of results in Maths this year, with each student achieving a result to be proud of. This bright and committed cohort have embraced the subject with enthusiasm, often enjoying a healthy sense of competition among themselves. At the same time, they have shown great support for one another, learning from each other’s strengths and working collaboratively to improve. Throughout the year, they have consistently demonstrated excellent numeracy and problemsolving skills. Many students in this group show great promise and we look forward to seeing their mathematical journeys continue to flourish in the years ahead.
Next Year
September will bring a strong focus on equipping our learners with essential numeracy and problem-solving skills for life through a Maths for Mastery approach. We’re also excited to participate in a range of competitions and Maths Challenges, giving many of our Prep School students the opportunity to represent the school and showcase their talents. Lessons and practical activities will take place both inside and outside the classroom, designed to be fun, engaging, and purposeful. Our aim is to inspire a new generation of confident, capable young mathematicians who see the value and joy in mathematical thinking.
Mrs Davis
The French Department at Tockington has had an exceptional year, marked by growth, innovation and achievement. Pupil engagement continues to rise and the quality of learning is stronger than ever. A highlight has been the appointment of Ms Parrington as a part-time member of the French team. Her creative and thoughtful approach has played a key role in embedding differentiated learning at the heart of our curriculum for the upper years.
The beautifully restored Barn Block, now home to our refurbished classrooms, has been warmly received by staff and pupils alike. The blend of original architectural features and cutting-edge technology has created a truly inspiring space where tradition seamlessly blends with modern learning.
FRENCH
Our Nursery and Pre-Prep pupils are also thriving in their new French playroom, a space designed to nurture early language development. We have seen clear improvements in focus, confidence, and communication in this stimulating learning space. Some of our youngest, as young as 4 years old, are already communicating using full sentences in French!
To maintain this momentum, we are always seeking new ways to strengthen continuity across year groups. From September, our Puppet Theatre Scheme will launch. Pupils in Years 5 to 8 will perform short plays based on French fairy tales and beloved classics such as The Little Prince for younger pupils. The shows then will be followed by themed workshops run by the pupils themselves. We are so grateful to Breck for building, and to the Friends of Tockington Manor for financing our beautiful puppet theatre,
certainly become a cherished feature of our department for years to come! Meanwhile, the ever popular Chocolat Chaud club also continued to grow, with our youngest linguists enjoying this relaxed but stimulating language club for practical French.
Our pupils’ creativity was further recognised when one of our senior linguists, Bertie (Year 8), was awarded a Commendation from the Languages Department at Oxford University for his translation of a 17th-century French poem. Chosen from over 5,000 entries, his success is something we are not at all surprised by but something that we are incredibly proud of.
Another academic highlight was this year’s DELF Diploma Programme. In the Spring Term, ten pupils sat the Prim A1.1 exam at the Alliance Française in Oxford, while one travelled to London for the Prim A1 exam. Whilst Boróka (Year 5) achieved an outstanding 92%, our Oxford group earned an impressive combined score of 90%, with the highest result achieved by Charlotte (Year 5) at 97%! Their results reflect a tremendous amount of hard work and outstanding linguistic talent.
Following these successes, we are proud to announce that the DELF Prim will now be fully integrated into our French curriculum. Tockington has officially gained DELF examination centre status from the French Ministry of Education, giving all our pupils the opportunity to pursue this internationally recognised qualification.
The past year has undoubtedly been a great success in so many ways, and we will continue to work tirelessly to
make foreign language learning one of the most enriching and rewarding learning experiences that Tockington has to offer for all its pupils!
Mme Gannon
HISTORY
Year 5
I have loved teaching Year 5 this year; they are so inquisitive and full of energy. They embarked on a fascinating journey through British history, exploring the Tudors, the Stuarts, the dramatic events of the Plague and the Great Fire of London, and the fascinating Victorian era.
Their studies began with the Tudors, focusing on Henry VIII and his six wives, and continued through to the Stuarts. The children were captivated by the stories of the Plague and the Great Fire, developing a strong understanding of how these events shaped London. They also explored the Victorian era, looking at the jobs children undertook and the many remarkable inventions of the time. I was intrigued and impressed by their presentations about Victorian inventions, in particular, Teddy S stole the show with his inventive choices, while Rosalie transformed into quite a strict teacher, delivering her presentation with confidence and flair! A highlight of the year was the Tudor workshop, which delighted everyone — I knew it was going to be a great day when the curator cheerfully told us they focused more on the hysterical than the historical!
Year 6
Year 6 has tackled some of the most challenging and thought-provoking topics in history with maturity and curiosity. They studied World War I and World War II, examining the causes, weapons, major battles and events, and the consequences of
these conflicts. They also explored the Transatlantic Slave Trade and finished the year by looking at key figures in the Civil Rights movement. Throughout the year, the class delivered numerous presentations, often taking the lead in discussions and developing their communication skills. I was particularly impressed by the depth and thoughtfulness of many of these presentations, with Diya’s moving account of her family’s experience during World War II standing out as an academic highlight of the year.
Year 7
Year 7 began their Common Entrance syllabus with enthusiasm, diving straight into the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest, and then moving on to study the Crusades. We explored how the consequences of the Crusades may have contributed to lasting conflict in the Middle East, prompting some lively and insightful discussions. This year, they began to develop their essaywriting techniques and demonstrated great progress in constructing clear and thoughtful arguments. The annual Castle Building Project was, as always, a highlight, with students showcasing their organisation, communication, and teamwork. Special congratulations to Hongyi for his superb interpretation and detailed presentation, and to George G and his team for their fantastic effort and creativity.
Year 8
Year 8 approached their final year of History at Tockington Manor with focus and determination. They studied King John and Edward I’s campaigns in Wales and Scotland, applying their knowledge to analyse sources in an
innovative and engaging way. A particularly memorable lesson involved using Donald Trump as a modern reference point for source analysis, allowing students to connect historical concepts to contemporary events and to witness history in the making. Alex FW and Oscar D stood out as inspirational debaters, bringing passion and insight to our discussions and enriching lessons with their interest in current affairs. The year culminated in thorough revision for the Common Entrance exams and it was a real pleasure to see the excellent results of their hard work.
It has been a privilege to teach such inquisitive, creative and thoughtful students this year. Their enthusiasm and curiosity have made History come alive in the classroom, and I look forward to hearing of their continued achievements in the years ahead.
Mr Phillips
LATIN & CLASSICAL CIVILISATION
What is free speech? What made the Roman army so effective? What makes a good king? How would you measure his success? What do you need to set up a successful city, or country, or empire? What similarities do you notice between Latin and English? (or French or Spanish or Italian or Croatian or Welsh or Romanian...)?
These are some of the many questions we have explored in Latin and Classical Civilisation lessons this year. Although the lessons are focused on the study of an ancient culture, the modern parallels are very clear. Whilst I would be delighted if people take their Classical studies further, there is plenty in these lessons that will give a foundation for a student of any number of subjects such as Politics, History, English, Modern Languages, Linguistics and Philosophy.
We’ve worked hard but it hasn’t all been written work. We’ve had debates. The children have written and performed a number of plays – many with props and costumes. They’ve produced storyboards of Greek myths both on paper and using
storyboardthat.com. We are always looking for new online resources –Blooket is the newest one, but we are also continuing with tried and tested resources from previous years.
Outside the classroom, Mr Horsted gave us an excellent talk on Ancient Greek theatre. There was plenty of audience participation including acting, Greek style, behind face masks. They realised how much they could communicate to the audience even though most of their face couldn’t be seen. The children remembered a lot about that talk and so a number of the Year 8s were delighted when a question on Greek theatre came up in the Common Entrance exam.
SPANISH
It’s been an enjoyable year and the children’s imagination has really added to the creativity in class. See you next year!
Mr Sherwood
Hola a todos! Another great year in the Spanish Department. I have thoroughly enjoyed this year, everyone on site playing the famous Rockalingua songs in class and having all the children singing in Spanish, amazing!
As part of the Spanish curriculum, we learn about traditions and culture of many Spanish-speaking countries. In the Autumn Term we learnt about
the Day of the Dead “el dia de los muertos”. This is a celebration that takes place mainly in Mexico. We were very lucky to have Mrs Brennan coming to talk to the children in Years 3 to 8 about this tradition and learn about it from someone who knows it personally. The children really enjoyed it and were very interested in its roots and history, but they especially enjoyed the activity set up!
Pre-Prep enjoyed our famous “Rockalingua” songs and videos – it is always fun and exciting to learn this way. We have listened to an animated version of “El Quijote” which was very popular. We covered many topics including: personal introduction, days of the week, vowels, colours, numbers, parts of the body and have learnt about Spanish culture.
In the Prep school, pupils focused on developing their language skills, speaking, listening and writing with excellent classwork. Years 6, 7 and 8 produced fantastic speeches and presentations, focusing on pronunciation and it was great to hear excellent Spanish being spoken. Years 5 to 8 have thoroughly enjoyed using the Chromebooks in lessons and we have been able to work on Spanish presentations every term, develop Spanish vocabulary using Duolingo and also had fun on Blooket.
Well done Tockington!
Mr Perez
Another year has flashed past in the Tockington Music Department. We kicked off the year by holding parent talks about the benefit of music on the brain, summarising how learning an instrument is scientifically proven to develop your brain and therefore enhance your ability at absolutely everything else - whether academic, creative, collaborative, expressive, emotional, mental, physical or spiritual. It even improves your sporting ability through developing rhythm, coordination and reaction speed.
House Talent was our first major event and we are grateful to Clifton College Head of Music, James Drinkwater, for coming to judge the competition. Alexander finally knocked Cunningham off the winner’s podium after having taken the title three years in a row. Well done Alexander! The Carol Service brought the Autumn Term to a close after its array of special Christmas activities.
MUSIC
During the Spring Term all three of our choirs prepared for the annual Thornbury Eisteddfod competition while “Finding Nemo” was the chosen show for Years 5 and 6. A special mention must go to our talented cast and in particular Marlin (Max A), Dory (Emma VP) and Nemo (Emily W). The casting of a show is so difficult, but this truly was a winning combination supported by immeasurable talent in the rest of the cast too. This was closely followed by our Annual Concert which showcased a wealth of different genres of music, from African to Rock, and Classical to Musical Theatre. The two highlights had to be Gloria’s and Amelie’s piano solos, as they performed Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” and Einaudi’s “I Giorni” respectively.
During the Summer Term the Pre-Prep Summer Concert is always a huge highlight. It is a joy to watch the confidence of our young learners as they take their turn to introduce their piece and play pieces such as ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ with such aplomb! The musical progression we witness at this age is always astonishing. The confidence, intonation and rhythmic accuracy of the Year 2s is always inspirational for our Reception pupils.
It has been remarkable to see the level of dedication and commitment to music from our pupils and the results this brings.
Year 2’s Ping won first place at the Bristol Festival of Music for an excellent piano performance in the Under 8 age group. Well done Ping!
Year 2’s Maxine won second place in the S2 (Grade 3 - 4) violin competition at the same festival, narrowly losing out to a Year 5 pupil by just a small margin. Our congratulations also go to Izzy H who has shown tremendous talent and commitment this year. She was the youngest pupil in the country to make it through to the semi-finals
of ‘West End Calling’ and perform on a West-End stage. Well done also to Evie P who made it through to the round before this. Izzy has since been invited to attend ‘West End Kids’ from which alumni are in Les Mis, Wicked, Six and other professional West End productions. Teddy S is just as committed to his piano and songwriting, he must be praised for coming to Songwriting club every single week. He is a born musician!
Bands & Ensembles
rock bands. The Year 7 & 8 band went from strength to strength and performed excellently at the Spring Concert, their main focus being Radioactive by Imagine Dragons. The training band has done a fantastic job, dedicated to understanding how to play with other live musicians, and developing listening and ensemble skills.
Group playing is one of the most enjoyable elements of being a musician and requires a set of skills including listening and awareness, timing and attention to detail as well as working as a team.
Orchestra is for pupils from Years 5 - 8 or those who are Grade 1 and above, playing a variety of repertoire including pop, classical and show music. There were 22 members this year who all showed great progress throughout the year. We also saw the String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble develop and perform over the year as well as two
The three different age-group choirs are always great to work with. It is particularly lovely to hear them sing one after another from youngest to oldest as the sound changes and becomes more controlled, showing real progression.
Thank you to all pupils who have contributed to the musical life of the school - your extra time, commitment and support is highly valued and it is a pleasure to see you all enjoying the process of developing your musical skills (and your brains) while doing so! Well done and thank you.
Mrs Sapkota
Music Technology
Year 7 and 8 have had another successful year of Music Tech. It has been exciting to see the pupils inspired by new concepts and techniques, discovering new potential in their musical journeys. Students learn about the many responsibilities of a music producer and develop skills applicable to other roles in the music industry that don’t necessarily require you to be an instrumentalist. Each project focusses on exploring a variety of musical genres whilst developing the fundamental skills of composition, arrangement and production. The students work predominantly on iMacs, using GarageBand. Year 7 has covered: African Drum Music, Found Sound Sampling and Indian Fusion. Year 8 has covered: Remixing, Foley Sound FX, and Minimalism. Each project gives the students a real insight into how to approach different composition styles. Music Tech at TMS acts as an ideal stepping stone into GCSE music, giving a taste of the sort of projects that might be worked on.
Mrs Moreton Examination Results
Flourishing Day, Flexi, and Full Boarding School
In the Heart of the Cotswolds — Just 90 minutes from London
The Wycliffe Way:
At Wycliffe College, we offer a dynamic all-through education for girls and boys aged 3 to 18. Nestled in the stunning Cotswolds, our school combines tradition with innovation, nurturing every pupil to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
» Fostering academic excellence through rigour, challenge, and a spirit of curiosity.
» Inspiring confident humility , generosity, and mutual respect in every interaction.
» Promoting social and environmental awareness , preparing pupils to be thoughtful global citizens.
» Equipping students with resilience, self-knowledge, and essential life skills to embrace their future with confidence.
» Creating a safe, happy, and supportive environment where every pupil feels valued and secure.
ART & DESIGN
This year, the children’s creativity has truly blossomed, with a diverse range of exciting projects that spanned from Ancient Greece to the Tudors, William Morris to Monet, and Surrealism to Street Art. It’s been a joy to witness their imaginations come to life!
In the Design & Technology department, students embraced various challenges, from refining their sewing skills by designing and crafting pencil cases, slippers, and Christmas stockings, to building dynamic moving monsters using pneumatics. They also explored the principles of stability by designing bridges and greenhouses, learning what makes a structure resilient.
trip to the Bristol Museum that led to beautiful painted vases and clay coil pots, and Year 8’s striking charcoal and graphite compositions influenced by the work of Karl Blossfeldt.
The Autumn Term was particularly special, with students creating stunning Christmas card designs for our fundraiser, raising over £500 in the process. A few standout moments include the Year 5 students’ magnificent canvas portraits of famous Tudors, Year 3’s inspiring
The Spring Term was filled with even more excitement, highlighted by the Year 5 & 6 production of Finding Nemo. The Art room became a buzzing hub of activity as both Art clubs worked hard to bring the show to life. Year 6 students in particular designed incredible stage sets, some of which
were submitted to the Mary Fedden Art Competition at Badminton School. Congratulations to Belle D and Lois R, who both received awards for their outstanding work. Lois’s artwork was commended, and Isabelle D’s piece was Highly Commended. Well done to both girls!
The Summer Term kicked off with two exciting STEM days for Years 5 & 6 and Years 3 & 4, all centred around the theme of Transport. Students took part in a variety of engaging activities designed to challenge their problemsolving abilities. They collaborated to build boats, design hovercrafts, and explored the principles of aerodynamics by testing rockets and paper airplanes.
In addition to these hands-on projects, the children delved into a diverse range of captivating topics, including Monet and the Impressionists, Van Gogh, Fantastic Fish, Totem Poles, Cubism, Pop Art, and Street Art. Activity Week was a highlight, where students explored the wonders of Italian Renaissance Art, creating their own frescoes using plaster of Paris and tempera paint. The process was a fantastic learning experience, and the students produced some beautiful works of art.
After their Common Entrance exams, Year 8 embarked on a fascinating trip to Bristol, where they explored the city's renowned Street Art scene. They had the opportunity to learn the stories behind many iconic pieces and even tried their hand at spray painting, leaving with their own pieces of street art to be proud of.
Photography has also shone brightly this year, with some incredible submissions. A big congratulations to Imelda A, Jack D, and Benjamin S for their winning entries, and a special mention to Alex F-W, who earned the Jamie Smith Photography Cup at the end of the year.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to anticipate more trips, visits, and an even more packed calendar of projects, competitions, and celebrations of the children’s creativity. Here's to another fantastic year ahead!
Mrs Mockridge
GEOGRAPHY
Geography at Tockington Manor School continues to provide a dynamic and engaging learning experience for all pupils from Reception right up to Year 8. Through a balance of classroom learning, fieldwork and independent research, students in Years 5 to 8 in particular, develop a broad understanding of physical and human geography while also learning key geographical skills and concepts.
Year 8
Year 8 pupils completed their Geography curriculum with indepth studies of population and settlement, transport and industry, and the interactions between these sectors. These themes provided a foundation for their final assessments. Pupils successfully sat their Common Entrance exams, demonstrating their understanding of geographical concepts and their ability to apply knowledge to real-world contexts.
Year 7
Geography at Tockington Manor School continues to inspire curiosity and a sense of global awareness, equipping pupils with the skills needed for future study and responsible citizenship.
about our Eco-Schools project on Pg 63
In Year 7, students focused on the dynamic topics of rivers and coasts, learning how water shapes the land and how human activities interact with these environments. Their studies also covered tectonic hazards, including earthquakes and volcanoes, and the important themes of sustainability and stewardship. A visit to Bristol Airport gave students the opportunity to study modern infrastructure, including the newly developed sky bridge, and to consider environmental impacts in the context of transport development. Year 7 also
prepared for academic challenges by sitting their first Common Entrance mock exam, gaining valuable experience in exam technique and content recall.
Year 6
Year 6 pupils began the year with a fascinating unit on The Americas, comparing the physical and human geography of North and South America. They studied the processes of weathering and erosion, understanding how landscapes change over time. The highlight of the term was a river study, where pupils observed river features and processes in the field, enhancing their understanding through practical investigation. Additionally, they delved into the polar regions, culminating in a creative and informative project that highlighted the challenges of life and survival in extreme environments.
Year 5
In Year 5, pupils explored the diverse region of Eastern Europe, gaining insight into its varied cultures, landscapes and historical importance. As part of their physical geography studies, the class embarked on a memorable climb up Skirrid Mountain in South Wales. This hands-on experience allowed them to apply their understanding of mountain
environments while appreciating the physical challenge of the terrain. Another key focus was the UK’s National Parks, where students completed a detailed project, showcasing their understanding of landscape protection and park management. Closer to home, they also conducted a traffic study in Thornbury town, collecting primary data and writing reports on local transport patterns and their impact on the community.
Mr Harvey-Knowles
Cartography Results
Overall Winner
Runner Up
3rd Place
Year 8
Year 7
Year 6
Year 5
Year 4
Year 3
Issy P Emily W Issy P
Basil B Anthony K Diya D
Leila Belle S Diya D
Oscar B
Alex FW
Belle D
Basil B
Jasper H and Emma FEmma F and Sienna RJoe L and Jasper H
Emma VP and Jasper BBelle D and Emma VPLois R and Evie S
Bonnie B and Lexi JDanielle B and Dylan NBea B and Danielle B
William I and Imelda A
Amy G
William I and Ranveer C
Bella H and Pranava VIvy B and Jack HJack H and Jessica B
COMPUTING
Computing at Tockington has continued to progress throughout the academic year. Within their designated computing lessons, the pupils continue to develop their fundamental computing skills.
In Pre-Prep, computing lessons are fun, engaging and educational, introducing pupils to basic digital concepts in a safe and creative environment. Through playful, guided sessions, children in Reception began by learning how to turn devices on and off properly and how to use the trackpad and keyboard with increasing confidence. These digital skills laid the groundwork for more advanced tasks, including typing. By Year 2, pupils were exploring touch typing, a tricky but exciting challenge that helped improve their accuracy and familiarity with the keyboard.
PerhapsDigital drawing became a favourite activity in Pre-Prep. Reception used a simple paint program to create colourful pictures and patterns. In Year 1, children progressed to using the Paintz app, creating themed artwork based on their learning about the moon. By Year 2, pupils were creating their own digital pointillism masterpieces, combining art and technology in a creative way.
A highlight of the Pre-Prep computing curriculum is coding. All children explored the basics of programming by giving simple instructions to control characters or objects and creating basic algorithms. These activities support the development of thinking and problem-solving skills. Pupils particularly enjoyed coding on Chromebooks, as well as working hands-on with Bee-Bots and Code-aPillars.
the most important element of computing in the Pre-Prep is online safety. From Reception to Year 2, children are taught key principles to help them stay safe online, including: asking an adult for help if something feels wrong online; keeping personal information private; and being kind and respectful when using digital platforms. These topics are introduced in age-appropriate ways through stories, games, and relatable characters, helping children understand the importance of being responsible digital citizens from the very start. Pre-prep computing at TMS isn’t just about screens and devices, it’s about teaching young learners how to be confident, creative and safe digital citizens.
Walking around the school it is clear to see how well embedded computing is throughout the curriculum. From
Reception to Year 8, pupils work with technology to enhance and develop their learning experience, with our dedicated class teachers being at the forefront of this. This has been supported by the continued use of our 1-1 device programme, which will continue to include our Year 5 pupils. We have also now had a full year of the Year 3 and 4 pupils having their own bank of Chromebooks. Not only does this allow them to have even more opportunities for using technology to support their learning, but it also bridges a gap for these pupils who will have their own device in Year 5.
As technology and the computing curriculum evolves, we at Tockington pride ourselves on being at the forefront of change, embracing new advancements with open arms. Our Artificial Intelligence block of work with Years 5 - 8 epitomises that. Our forward-thinking approach to Computing as a school has transformed teaching and learning in our classrooms and senior schools have commended us for creating a seamless transition for our Year 8 pupils.
We are excited to continue to look for ways to develop our Computing offering at TMS, with the next academic year bringing new coding software and exciting opportunities for all pupils.
Mr Ross and Mrs Greenbank
PSHE & SMSC
At TMS, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education plays a vital role in helping our pupils develop into confident, wellrounded individuals who are ready to navigate the world around them. It is embedded throughout the curriculum, during playtimes and across all areas of school life, supporting children's personal, social and emotional development in every aspect of their day.
This year, we introduced a new scheme of work called Jigsaw, a mindful approach to PSHE education. The programme is organised into six half-termly units, known as ‘Jigsaw Puzzles’, each containing six lessons: Being Me in My World, Celebrating Difference, Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships and Changing Me.
We’ve welcomed a variety of inspirational guest speakers including Headteachers from other schools and members of the school and local community. We’ve enjoyed talks from visiting parents, church leaders and staff, have shared insights, stories, and expertise that reinforce PSHE themes in a meaningful and relatable way.
TMS believes in giving children real-life experiences to build their confidence and awareness. Through Forest School, pupils explore nature, learn teamwork, assess and manage risks, and develop a connection with the world around them. We also organise a wide range of educational trips and workshops, including:
Each Puzzle helps children grow through lessons that fit their age, time to reflect, mindfulness activities, and chances to share and explore values in a safe, respectful space. Classes really enjoy their friendly Jigsaw Pets/Characters that bring the PSHE scheme to life, especially Jerrie the Cat and the chime bar, which are favourites for calming down and mindfulness moments.
PSHE at TMS goes beyond timetabled lessons. This year, we’ve expanded our learning through a range of assemblies, workshops, guest speakers, and real-life experiences that have helped to enrich and embed key themes.
Assemblies have tackled current and relevant topics including vaping, consent and online safety; safeguarding; helping pupils make informed choices; and understand their rights and responsibilities.
• First aid and life-saving skills
• Residential trips, helping pupils learn independence and responsibility
• Visits to museums, workplaces, and historical sites, supporting cultural awareness and career aspirations.
We look forward to building on our work during PSHE next year.
Mrs Greenbank
FOREST SCHOOL
2025 saw Forest School enter the weekly timetable for the first time for all pupils at Tockington Manor School. All children from Nursery to Year 8 experienced a session during the Autumn, Spring and Summer Terms, developing an understanding of how the natural world changes in different seasons.
The children enjoyed a wide variety of activities from woodwork using bow saws and electric drills to site surveying and plant identification. The support for Forest School has been overwhelmingly positive and we are pleased that it will again feature in the 2025-26 timetable. The Kitchen Garden has gone from strength to strength this year with the children planting a wide range of crops including potatoes, tomatoes, carrots and onions as well as our fruit trees bearing a good harvest of cherries. Reception Gardening Club remains a popular choice and allows the children opportunities to learn more about how to grow their own food and sample new foods, including courgettes. The Green Feathers bird boxes have once again been used by our resident Great Tit family, producing another brood in the Spring Term, providing the children with a real-life insight into the life cycle of birds.
Miss Green
GOING GREEN
What an incredible year it has been for sustainability here at Tockington Manor School.
We were excited to become part of the global Eco-Schools programme at the beginning of the academic year, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability. This environmental initiative provides a framework for pupils to raise awareness of green issues and empowers them to make a positive difference by leading environmental actions and projects in their school and local community.
Over the year the children have achieved some amazing things. Most notable, we've officially earned the prestigious Green Flag status! Becoming a Green School of Britain is a huge, well-deserved recognition for every pupil and staff member who has embraced our new initiatives.
That award was also helped along by our biggest news of the year - we became Guinness World Record holders! Our Eco-Warriors joined the Taff Tidy project to break the record for the most people actively tidying a river at the same time. Six pupils joined many other volunteers in Cardiff to pick up a huge amount of man-made litter
along the River Taff. We are incredibly proud of them!
We’ve been working hard to embed sustainability into our daily lives. Out on the grounds, you may have noticed our “No Mow May” campaign, which has been brilliant for letting our wildflowers burst through and giving our local bees and butterflies a much-needed habitat boost. Inside, we’ve introduced the innovative traffic light energy-saving system in our classrooms. Those red lights are a simple, visual reminder for all of us to switch things off, and the children have been fantastic at keeping us all accountable! We’re also now tracking our food waste and sharing weekly summaries. This transparency has made everyone more aware, and we're already seeing real reductionsproof that our collective efforts make a difference.
This achievement shows that we’re not just learning about the environment in lessons; we’re actively leading change. Thank you to everyone for all your hard work and enthusiasm. Let’s keep this green momentum going!
Mr Harvey-Knowles and the Eco-Warriors
SENIOR CAMP
This year’s Senior Camp for Years 7 and 8 took place at an exciting new venue. After extensive research, Mrs Ross discovered a fantastic location on the Welsh coastal path, a youth hostel in the picturesque village of Manorbier, just outside Tenby. The accommodation offered a variety of options, including bell tents, pods and dormitories, with excellent facilities such as a communal dining hall and games rooms.
Each day was packed with adventure, featuring instructorled activities in the mornings and afternoons, followed by teacher-led or free-time sessions in the evenings. Students had the opportunity to try an impressive range of activities, including coasteering at Stackpole Quay, a scenic circular walk to Manorbier Beach, bodyboarding, and kayaking along the Western Cleddau River near Haverfordwest. There were also a variety of on-site activities, including archery, team-building challenges, orienteering and bushcraft. The camp concluded with a campfire, games and, of course, toasting of marshmallows! The instructors were full of praise for all the students, noting their impressive physical fitness, enthusiasm and positive attitude across all activities. They highlighted some of the students who had impressed them throughout the week, including Gloria, David and Finley, who were commended for their teamwork, resilience and determination.
Highlights of the week included: celebrating Emma S’s birthday with a morning run (and birthday cake as an extra dessert in the evening!); a memorable kayak race which saw Bertie M and Charlie D narrowly taking the victory; Harry P overcoming his fear of heights to scale a rock face and jump off Stackpole quay; energetic matches of cricket and football on the grassy fields in the evenings; and not to be forgotten, the delicious meals, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
The week was a tremendous success, offering students the chance to challenge themselves, develop new skills and create lasting memories. It was a real pleasure to spend the week with the students and to see just how much they gained from the experience. We are already looking forward to next year!
Mr Ross, Mrs Tregenza, Mr Glanville, Mr Drury, Mrs Williams
“My
favourite memory this year was Year 7 and 8 camp. We got to do so many amazing things.” Lara (Y7)
PATHWAY PROGRAMME
It was another busy year for the Pathway Programme, which provided some excellent experiences for our candidates. In September, we kicked the year off by having polar explorer Alex Hibbert join us as our keynote speaker. His captivating stories about incredible expeditions provided our students with a unique perspective on resilience, determination, and the wonders of the natural world. The Pathway Programme pupils had the opportunity to have a specialist session with Alex and even tried on his polar kit!
Also in the Autumn Term, our Sport strand pupils enjoyed a fantastic session at Chepstow Golf Centre, where they trained with PGA Professional George Burnett. This hands-on experience offered them valuable insights and practical skills to enhance their sporting journeys. While the Drama strand showcased their talents in a vibrant assembly performance. Other opportunities for the pupils included a trip to Padel4All in Lockleaze. Coaches Luke and Matt welcomed us and each ran a coaching session, covering the basic skills and game principles. We then played a fun tournament, putting new skills into practice while getting to grips with rules, tactics and scoring. Sport strand pupils were also involved in a trip to Celtic CrossFit. This session involved some fun warm-up games followed by skill work on the rings and the rig. Pupils were properly put through their paces and Coach Tom commented on their fitness and determination.
As part of the Programme, pupils are offered support through mock interviews and references in preparation for their scholarship applications. Our assessment afternoon for the Sports candidates replicates that of a Senior School Sports Scholarship and prepares the pupils well.
Academically, it was also a jam-packed year. Pupils benefited from a Science trip to Badminton School to experience a liquid nitrogen show. We also had an outside company run workshops on effective revision strategies and share tips on how to deal with upcoming exams. Finally, we were joined by Renishaw who ran a workshop for our pupils to inspire them about careers in engineering.
A successful year for the Drama strand involved the pupils helping out with many shows and productions at TMS. They were able to experience many important roles backstage including lighting, props and visuals. I know that Mrs Glanville has lots of things planned for the Drama strand next year.
It’s an extremely exciting time for the Pathway Programme with several motivating opportunities and experiences already lined up for the new year. As I move on from my role I would like to thank all the staff for their help and support and most importantly to the fantastic pupils who have been on the Programme and thrown themselves into everything offered. I wish Mr Reeves and Miss Codd all the best as they take the Pathway Programme forward and look forward to seeing all the wonderful things the pupils do.
Mr Ross
Scholarships
In our third year of the Pathway Programme 90% of our candidates achieved scholarships - well done!
ACTIVITY WEEK
Activity Week this year focused on separate themes for the Prep School, Pre-Prep and Reception children. The theme for the Prep School was the Women’s Rugby World Cup, for the Pre-Prep it was Time Travel and our Reception Year looked at Underwater Life. The Prep school children enjoyed many exciting trips including surfing, mountain trekking and outdoor pursuits. Year 1 and 2 took a trip to St Fagan’s and Reception visited Bristol Aquarium. There were a variety of activities on offer during the week and the ever-popular “Hunt the Teacher” made a return on Wednesday afternoon. The children also enjoyed karate, cookery, IT, boule and fresco making. The week concluded with a surprise visit from two Bristol Bears Ladies players.
Miss Green
What is Activity Week?
Activity Week is when our School goes off the books! Usually held in the middle of the Summer Term, it's five days packed with exciting and stimulating activities for children throughout Tockington Manor School and Nursery. From excursions to interesting places to visits from special guests, our teachers devise unique activities centred around the themes for different parts of the School. Year 7 & 8 spend the week away on their annual camp. It is an excellent way to educate our children in an extraordinary way and something our children look forward to!
Gardening Club, Stretch Club) and after school (eg Strength and Conditioning Club, Musical Theatre and Touch Rugby). Both the Pre-Prep and Prep School offer multiple clubs each day. Over 90% of our pupils attend at least one club a week, with many attending multiple clubs.
RUGBY
1st XIII
The First XIII rugby team had an exceptional season, showcasing skill, determination and teamwork in every match. From the first kick-off to the final whistle, the team consistently delivered outstanding performances, going unbeaten for the entire season right up until the final game vs Clifton College!
Throughout the term, the boys demonstrated a remarkable understanding of the game. Their attacking play was fluid and dynamic, with crisp passing, powerful running and clever offloads that kept opponents on the back foot. In defence, their discipline and communication were equally impressive, with countless key tackles and turnovers at critical moments.
Key victories against tough opposition, including Cheltenham College, highlighted their resilience and unity. Special mentions go to Oscar H-P and Henry W for their leadership as co-captains, Bertie M for his relentless work rate in the forwards (Player of the Season), and Oscar B for his sharp decision-making at scrum-half.
The season was a resounding success. The team can be proud of their hard work and growth, both as players and as individuals. They have set a high standard for future Tockington Manor rugby teams.
Well done, First XIII, an unforgettable season!
Mr Harvey-Knowles and Mr Drury
1st XIII Players (Back Row L to R): Players: Stanley B, Charlie D, George C, Freddie S, Charlie B, Alex FW, Henry W, Bertie M, Coach Harvey; (Front Row L to R): Joseph L, Oscar B, Harrison C, Oscar HP, Basil B, Hugo L, Theo G, (Not pictured: Oliver W, Rupert P)
Year 5-8 Cymric Cup for House Rugby
A wonderful day of rugby which perfectly wrapped up our 2024 season. All tournaments carrying the same weight throughout the day led to an extremely close affair, with each house coming 1st, 2nd and 3rd in a tournament. Alexander were victors in the U9 Tournament, with Cunningham 2nd and Churchill 1st. The U11 section was won by Cunningham, with Churchill in second. Finally, the U13 tournament found Churchill to be victorious, with Alexander in second! As a result, we were left with a head to head knockout between Cunningham and Alexander, with Year 8 hero Finley C kicking the winning penalty to score his house the Cymric Cup in front of the jubilant supporters! Congratulations to Cunningham!
Certificates U9:
Player of the Tournament William I
Top Try Scorer Harry Ba
Most Improved Players Ranveer C, Reuben H-S
Certificates U11:
Player of the Tournament Rapha G
Top Try Scorer Max A
Most Improved Players Theo H, Tommy G, Alex E
Certificates U13:
Player of the Tournament Oscar HP
Top Try Scorer Oscar HP, Leon F
Most Improved Players Finley C, Basil B
2nd XIII
2nd XIII Players
Back Row (L to R): Leon F, Finley C, Hongyi Z, Max H, Sebastian E, Jack D, Rupert P, Albie P, Ronnie H
Front Row (L to R): David E, Harry P, Oliver W, Jasper H
(Not pictured: Oscar D, George G)
TMS showed great character throughout and really did start to gel as the season went on, working tirelessly for each other. Well done to everyone, and we look forward to next season with a very positive attitude.
Mr Harvey-Knowles and Mr Drury
U11 Falcons
A super term of rugby for the Falcons who showed great skill and determination in every match and training session. The boys’ confidence grew as the term progressed, leading to us scoring some fantastic tries and putting in some superb tackles. The highlight of the term was the performance at Heywood, where we played some brilliant, fast rugby in awful conditions - congratulations!
Mr Weeks
U11 Bears
Bears have had a positive season. The boys have grown in confidence during the season with significant improvement in handling the ball and tackling in the pitch. The team worked hard in lessons to develop their game and the boys have been committed and determined.
I am very proud of your achievements during the rugby season.
Mr Perez
U10 Sharks
The U10 Sharks had an excellent season of rugby progressing from touch to contact rugby as the term went on. They worked hard to hone their skills on the pitch and showed good development in offensive and defensive play including passing and tackling. The team showed fantastic team spirit, resilience and determination, leading to some good results. Well done everyone!
Mr Reeves
U11 Players (Back Row L to R): Alex E, James VP, Max A, Aryansham S, Robbie O, Efan D, Theodore H, Will B, Jasper B, Herbie D, Patrick M, Hugh P, Anthony K, Tommy G, Lamar A
U10 Players (Front Row L to R): Dylan N, Rex G, Akilan V, Ben S, Toby B, Ben C, Fred M, Richard L, Rapha G, Hugo C, Henry T
Not pictured: Dudu Y, Brendan B
U8s Tag Rugby
The Year 3 boys played their very first season of tag rugby at Tockington. This was a good introduction to the game and a fun way to learn rugby. Tag rugby can be tricky to learn and this team worked hard in both lessons and fixtures. The boys made excellent progress as the term progressed and they performed really well in their fixtures, gaining some amazing scores including a huge number of tries. The boys always faced their fixtures full of enthusiasm and good sportsmanship, making them the great team they are.
I am looking forward to seeing them play next year when they graduate to contact rugby.
Mr Perez U9s
The Tockington Manor Under 9 rugby team had a fantastic first season of contact rugby, showing tremendous courage and enthusiasm in every game. Their tackling, passing and teamwork improved week by week, laying a strong foundation for the future. A brilliant start to their rugby journey - well done, team!
Mr Drury and Mr Harvey-Knowles
Trip to Principality Stadium, Cardiff: Wales vs Fiji
A group of children in Years 5-8 went to watch the Autumn Internationals Series opening match between Wales and Fiji in November. 28 pupils joined us on the trip to Cardiff's Principality Stadium and it was a brilliant opportunity to watch rugby at the highest level. Despite the result, we all had a great time! Diolch yn Fawr Mrs Tregenza, Ms Greenbank, Mr Weeks and Mr Drury for your help on the day!
Mr Harvey-Knowles
Vito
Rugby Colours
Congratulations to Oscar HP, Hugo L, Basil B, Bertie M and Henry W who were all awarded Rugby Colours this year!
U8 Players:
D, Owen B, Charlie B, Reuben HS, Oscar C, Samuel P, Jack H, Jadon O, Wilf B, Oliver C, Max K, Freddie B
U9 Players: Harry Bl, William I, David L, Gabriel T, Harry Ba, Ranveer C, Archie C, Faris L, Sebastian W
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Year 7 & 8 Mixed Touch Rugby
Our Summer Term finished on a high when we were crowned national champions in the England National Touch Rugby Schools Championships, run by Try Sports and the England Touch Association.
The 2025 Championships featured seven regional events, leading to the exciting National Finals, held in Oxford. Competing in the Mixed Y7/8 category, our girls and boys won the South West leg in May to progress to the main competition at the end of June.
Arriving at the National Finals, the pupils were motivated after their strong performance at the regionals. Finishing top of their pool, they were touted as 'ones to watch' and played some fantastic touch all the way through to the final with St John's, Leatherhead. Becoming champions in their first season playing Touch Rugby was an incredible achievement and we are immensely proud of them all. A number of our pupils were also scouted for the England Talent ID Programme - an invitation-only annual programme for aspiring touch players. Well done all!
Mr Harvey-Knowles
Y7/8 Mixed Touch Rugby team: (Back Row L to R): Harrison C, Joe L, George C, Oscar HP, Basil B, Theo G, Charlie D
(Front Row L to R): Oscar B, Emma F, Sienna R, Issy P, Henry W
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
U11 Boys Swimming
Our annual trip to the IAPS Swimming Finals in London saw us taking 24 children to the Aquatics Centre in June to swim their hearts out - and they did! Every child performed extremely well but it was our U11 boys who came back with a National title - one we've been waiting to win back for six years!
Swimming in the Small Schools' 8 x 25m relay, they took an early lead and then there was no catching them. There was a swell of pride in assembly the Monday after the event as we showed the race footage to the rest of the School. Over 600 pupils from across the country compete at this event so it is a huge achievement not only to qualify but to go on and win. All swimmers tried their best and gave it their all in the water. They were also superb at supporting their peers and their manners and spirits were amazing! I am so proud of our Tockington swimmers.
Mr Perez
U11 Boys Small Schools' Relay 8 x 25m team: (Back Row L to R): Brendan B, Jasper B, Tommy G, Max A
(Front Row L to R): Henry T, Hugh P, Rapha G, Teddy S
SWIMMING
It has been a very successful year of swimming at Tockington and the children have competed in a number of galas and competitions both at home and away.
Swimming Galas
TMS vs BGS - Our first gala of the year saw us competing for the first time ever against BGS. We had a selection of swimmers between Year 3 and Year 6 and it was a delight to see them put a great deal of effort and commitment into the water. Our children were excellent throughout the gala, supportive and encouraging to their team.
It was a close gala and we witnessed many close races but TMS were the better side and came out victorious!
TMS vs Westonbirt vs Wycliffe - The second swimming gala of the term gave us the opportunity to get three schools together in a swimming event for the first time at TMS. All children from Years 3 to 6 were incredible throughout the event - they swam and behaved really well and it was an absolute pleasure to see everyone take part.
There were 70 different races and Tockington put on great performances as we witnessed very close and exciting races.
Final result:
1st Tockington 374 points
2nd Westonbirt 333 points
3rd Wycliffe 142 points (missed out on relays)
A big thank you to Mr Drury, Mrs Williams, Mark, Oscar HP, Oscar B and Poppy for their amazing help and patience during the gala!
TMS vs Wycliffe - A group of Year 5 to 8 pupils went to Wycliffe for a swimming gala and what a gala it was! Children were full of energy and they put on fantastic performances in the water, winning most of the races. Our children were supportive and cheering throughout the event and Wycliffe staff said "your children have impeccable manners and behaviour"
Final result: TMS 192 v 90 Wycliffe
TMS vs Monmouth 1 - Early in the Spring Term we hosted our first-ever swimming gala against Monmouth. It was a great event and we saw some very close races. All the children swam incredibly well. A successful afternoon of swimming at Tockington.
Final result: TMS 226 points - Monmouth 207 points
TMS vs Monmouth 2 - Our second gala against Monmouth was away. This was the first time ever for us swimming there and it was a very close event where we witnessed great performances from all our swimmers. It was great to see close races and the excitement on the children’s faces!
Final result TMS 185 v 191 Monmouth
Well done everyone.
Mr Perez
IAPS Swimming
Another year travelling down to Millfield for the IAPS swimming qualifiers saw us take a great team of swimmers with us and witness fantastic performances from everyone. All swimmers tried their best and gave it their all in the water at what can be a nerve-racking event.
24 of the 35 children in the team qualified for the finals in London. We had a fantastic day and the children enjoyed the opportunity to swim in a stunning venue. The children performed really well and the U11 boys came back victorious!
Finals 2024 Results
Boys small schools’ relay 8x25m - 1st
Girls small schools’ relay 8x25m - 6th
U12 Girls 4x25 freestyle relay - 18th
Amelie K U13 50m fly - 16th
Leila Belle S U13 50m back - 12th
Henry Th U10 50m back - 15th
Oscar HP U13m fly - 10th
I am very proud of everyone and their commitment and dedication, well done!
Mr Perez
Biathlon
Early in February, we organised the very first biathlon at TMS. It was a swim-run for Year 5 to 8 and what an event! From start to finish the children were committed and determined and we witnessed great performances across these year groups. Year 5 swam 150m followed by a 1.6km run. Year 6 swam 200m followed by a 1.6km run. Year 7 swam 200m followed by a 2.4km run and finally Year 8 swam 300m and ran 2.4km.
Results:
Year 5 Girls - 1st Bella R; 2nd Danielle B; 3rd Ayla T
Year 5 Boys - 1st Dylan; 2nd Brendan; 3rd Teddy
Year 6 Girls - 1st Belle D; 2nd Emily W; 3rd Emma VP
Year 6 Boys - 1st Herbie D; 2nd Tommy; 3rd Max A
Year 7 Girls - 1st Sienna R; 2nd Connie S; 3rd Emma S
Year 7 Boys - 1st Theo; 2nd Harrison; 3rd Jasper H
Year 8 Girls - 1st Leila Belle; 2nd Poppy R; 3rd Amelie K
Year 8 Boys - 1st Oscar HP; 2nd Hugo L; 3rd Basil B
A massive thank you to all the Games Department for their support before, during and after the event.
Internal Swimming Galas
At the end of the Autumn Term, we held our internal swimming gala and it is always great to see the houses getting together to support the children. Great spirit and performances in the water and scores remained close until the very end. Cunningham were the winning House - congratulations!
Overall scores Autumn Gala
1st place - Cunningham 505 points
2nd place - Churchill 483 points
3rd place - Alexander 471 points
We finished the year with Pre-Prep having their fun swimming gala – an opportunity for the children to swim in front of a big crowd, sometimes nerve racking, but they all performed incredibly well and made us proud.
Then it was the turn of the Prep children, who put on fantastic performances and it is great to see how much the children have progressed over the year. We witnessed very close races and a lot of PBs achieved from every individual. After all the events, Churchill became victorious. Congratulations to them and to everyone for taking part and supporting their houses.
Overall scores Summer Gala
1st place - Churchill 479
2nd place - Alexander 452
3rd place - Cunningham 419
Swimming Colours
Congratulations to Oscar HP, Henry W, Hugo L, Oscar B, Leila Belle S, Amelie K, Annabelle O, Gloria D and Poppy R who were all awarded Swimming Colours at the end of the year!
IAPS Triathlon May 2025
In our second year taking part in this great event, children from Years 6, 7 and 8 went to Monkton Combe on a sunny Sunday and had a fantastic time. It was the first time for many of them taking part in a competitive triathlon and this gave us the opportunity to see them challenge themselves and push hard.
Our triathletes this year were:
Year 6 - Tommy G, Theo H, Jasper B, Emma V-P and Isabelle D
Year 7 - Sienna R, Theo G and Harrison C
Year 8 - Leila Belle S, Henry W, Oscar B, Oscar H-P, Charlie D, Basil B and Hugo L
It was a pleasure to spend the day with this fantastic group of children and I am very proud of their performance and commitment. Well done everyone!
Mr Perez
Knight Frank Schools Triathlon
We were pleased to once again be part of over 1,000 school children who participated in the UKs largest fundraising event for children. 88 TMS pupils took part in the Knight Frank Schools Triathlon in May, raising over £7,000 for charity! A portion of these funds went to our chosen charity for the year, Teach Us Too, with the remainder raised for the organising charity, Restless Development. Well done to every child who took part in the swim, run and cycle!
HOCKEY
U13
The U13 girls’ hockey team had a fantastic season, showcasing grit, determination and the true Tockington spirit in every match. Whether playing as one team or fielding two for more pitch time, the girls demonstrated significant improvement in understanding formations and passing, which translated into better build-up play and more goal-scoring opportunities. Highlights of the season included winning the Severnside tournament and a hard-fought 2-1 victory against a strong Beaudesert Park team. The girls’ teamwork and dedication were evident throughout, making it a memorable season. Mrs Shopland
U13 Players
(Back Row L to R): Lara W, Jessica W, Poppy R, Leila Belle S, Annabelle O, Gloria D, Amelie K, Connie S; (Front Row L to R): Issy P, Sienna R, Emma F, Emma S (GK)
Hockey Colours
Congratulations to Poppy R, Leila Belle S, Annabelle O, Gloria D and Amelie K who were all awarded Hockey Colours this academic year!
U11/U10 Round Up
An outstanding year for the U11s who formed up to three squads. A highlight being the Severnside Tournament, hosted by Clifton College, where we were overall runners up, competing against schools such as Beaudesert Park and Dean Close and Cheltenham.
U11 Eagles
The first season coaching the U11 Eagles has been thoroughly enjoyable. It began with an intensive coaching session at Malvern College, followed by a tournamentstyle round of matches. This experience proved to be incredibly inspiring for the girls, sparking their commitment
Players U11/10: Sophie G, Evie S, Emma VP, Sienna B, Belle D, Bella H, Lois R, Evie P, Emily W, Diya D, Harriet R, Boro G, Rosalie C, Bea B, Charlie B, Bella R, Izzy H, Rosemary H, Tilly H, Pearl L, Ayla T, Bonnie B, Sophia H, Effie M, Isla M, Arabella G, Lexi J, Danielle B, Hannah B and Olive B.
U11 Cavaliers
A highlight of the season for the Cavaliers was their performance at the U11 IAPS Regional Qualifying Tournament, played at Cheltenham College in October. This was a tournament which we hadn’t entered for a number of years.
Drawn into a pool with four new competitors for TMS, one of whom went on to be overall finalists, the girls faced a day of tough competition but showed tremendous growth and determination throughout. In the Bowl Tournament, we ended the day with a 3:0 win against Monkton Combe Prep and a 1:0 win against our friends at Dean Close St Johns. It was a truly memorable day for the whole team and we were extremely proud of the girls’ efforts.
The U11 Cavaliers went on to have a very impressive season. They represented the school in five fixtures and two additional tournaments. Scorelines were outstanding, winning four out of five fixtures and delivering some great performances in the tournaments. The girls displayed exceptional resilience and skill, reflecting their growth and commitment as a team. A fantastic season of hockey girls!
Mrs Ross
to the season ahead. The progress I've witnessed from that day to the end of the season has been amazing!
Coaching the girls during Games lessons and watching their confidence grow through match play has been both rewarding and fulfilling. What has impressed me most is the girls’ dedication to one another on the pitch, their hard work and their ability to adapt by switching positions from game to game. I am extremely proud of their efforts and I am already looking forward to working with them again next season.
Mrs Williams
U11 Hawks
The Hawks worked enthusiastically as a team this season. They played with great spirit and I admired players still absorbing coaching points up until the final whistle in their last game. The Hawks can be very proud of their wins, which included some amazing very well-worked goals. The team really began to exude confidence in their preferred roles on the pitch. A most enjoyable season, thank you Hawks.
Mrs Tregenza
U9 Tigers
The U9 Tigers had an excellent season, displaying desire, determination, and teamwork in every game. They worked hard on formation, quick passing, and moving around the opposition, showing great progress as the season went on.
Their final match against The Downs highlighted how far they have come, with the team using space effectively, communicating well, and showing confidence on the ball. With so much potential within the group, the future looks incredibly exciting for this talented team.
Mrs Shopland
U9 Bobcats
The U9 Bobcats had a super hockey season, displaying both their passion for the sport and significant improvement with their skills. The girls represented TMS across several fixtures and a tournament. Throughout their season, the Bobcats made noticeable improvements in their use of space on the pitch, ball accuracy and pace, as well as, embracing two-touch hockey with growing confidence. Their determination and resilience shone through in every game. The Bobcats should be incredibly proud of their achievements, enthusiasm and teamwork that they consistently brought to the pitch. Well done, Bobcats!
Mrs Ross
Players U9: Imelda A, Asia B, Amy G, Eleanor G, Adaline G, Tilly R, Florence T, Anna W, Charlotte W, Sophia D, Zoey Z, Clara C, Rozi C, Florence F, Imogen P, and Florence R.
The Taylor Woodford Cup for House Hockey
In ice-cold conditions, we had an excellent day of hockey with a different House winning each of the tournaments.
In the first tournament, the Super Sevens, Years 3 and 4 combined and across the three matches scored an impressive 14 goals. Congratulations to Tilly R, who claimed four of these goals for Churchill, and Eleanor G who led Cunningham to maximum points, scoring five goals.
In the Quicksticks Year 5 challenge, Churchill followed suit, achieving maximum points with a tight 1:0 win over Cunningham, followed by a very convincing 6:0 performance, with Bonnie B and Bella R sharing out their goals.
In the final tournament of the day, we witnessed more great hockey and enjoyed seeing Year 6 players rising to the pace of play with our experienced 7 and 8s. Well done to Poppy R for three fabulous finishes in a 5:1 win against Churchill. It was Alexander's consistency, however, that earned them maximum points this time.
In conclusion, as Cunningham gained points as a tournament winner, plus runners-up in the other two challenges, they were overall winners and were presented with the Taylers Of Woodford Cup.
Players U8: Isabella H, Elsie B, Imogen P, Anna V, Florence M, Jess R, Ivy B, Jessica B, Florence R, Olivia B, Amber R and Pranava V
U8 Rams & Devils
The Year 3 girls had an outstanding first season of hockey fixtures. The Rams won three matches and drew one, while the Devils won an impressive five from six games, jointly scoring a fabulous 13 goals in total. In their final triangular fixture, both teams finished on top against Redmaids’ and Clifton High. A fitting end to a season wherein both teams came a long way in a short time. We are excited to see where such potential takes them next year. Well done to all.
Mrs Tregenza
House Hockey Certificates
Player of the Match
Alexander Florence T, Lexi J, Gloria D
Churchill Tilly R, Bella R, Amelie K
Cunningham Anna W, Danielle B (top scorer of the day), Diya
Most Improved Player
Alexander Ivy B, Rosalie C, Jess W
Churchill Pranava V, Olive W, Lois R & Issy P for a stand-out performance in defence (no goalie)
Cunningham Jess B, Ayla T, Sophie G
Most Valuable Players overall in each tournament
Sienna R, Eleanor G, Bonnie B
CROSS COUNTRY
The 2024-25 season was a most enjoyable and successful one. We competed in a wide variety of events, achieving individual and team successes.
Our Monday evening running club was as popular as ever with upwards of 40 members turning out, even on the coldest and darkest of winter evenings. Thanks to Mr Symonds and Mr Weeks for their invaluable help over the season.
There was a huge number of PBs (Personal Bests) and list times achieved throughout the season, with everyone putting 100% into their running to earn a badge. This year, I was particularly pleased to see the support pupils were giving each other when crossing the finishing line. It's amazing to see a love of running at TMS being infectious throughout the school. Unfortunately, there were many team events cancelled this year due to the wet weather. This included the Severnside Cross Country and the Westonbirt event. Thankfully, however, the National Finals at Malvern did go ahead on a beautiful Spring day.
Another event that went to plan was The Gloucestershire League. Medals were awarded to both our U11 boys’ and girls’ teams, who came third overall in the team event. This is a fantastic achievement considering we are the only school to compete in the league (as opposed to a club). There was also an individual medal for Bella R, who came third in Avon when competing in the Inter-Counties competition.
We were delighted to see the return of the National Prep Schools Cross Country event at Malvern on a glorious day. TMS again performed admirably, with our U11 boys and U13 girls coming second in the Small Schools competition. This was backed up by our U13 boys coming third in the same competition - all fantastic achievements.
I am extremely proud of all the pupils in the school who continue to enjoy their running and put 100% into what they do. I look forward to another successful year of cross country in 2025-2026.
Mr Ross
INTERNAL COMPETITIONS & EVENTS
The Booker-Jones Cup for the Best Girl Cross Country Runner: Leila Belle S
The Davis Cup for Best Boy Cross Country Runner: Oscar HP
Easter Egg Run Competition
Year 5 - 8 Years 3 - 4
Winners: Jasper H Tilly R (Y3-4)
2nd Hongyi Z Eleanor G
3rd Ronnie H Florence R
Turkey Trot
Winner: David E
EXTERNAL COMPETITIONS
& EVENTS
Severnside Cross Country Championships
Cancelled
Cross Country Colours
Congratulations to Leila Belle S, Hugo L, Oscar HP, Charlie B, Charlie D, Basil B and Poppy R who were all awarded Cross Country colours during the course of the year!
Clarke Cup for House Cross Country Winners: Churchill
National Prep School Cross Country Championships (NPSCC)at Malvern College
U11 Boys: 2nd (Small Schools)
U11 Girls: 6th (Small Schools)
U13 Boys: 3rd (Small Schools)
U13 Girls: 2nd (Small Schools)
Gloucestershire League Clubs Cross Country
U11 Boys: 3rd (Tommy G 9th)
U11 Girls: 3rd (Bella R 6th)
U13 Boys: 4th (Oscar HP 8th)
U13 Girls: 4th (Leila Belle 12th)
Westonbirt Cross Country Event
Cancelled
TMS Relays
Cancelled
FOOTBALL
1st XI
A fantastic season for the 1st XI, the boys always put 100% into their matches and demonstrated a ‘never give up’ attitude that was embedded into their play. The 1st XI are expected to set the standard and demonstrate the style of football we wish to play at Tockington: high work rate, a packed midfield and an attempt to dominate the 1st and 2nd ball with and without possession. This year the team picked this up quickly and accumulated some fantastic results throughout the season. The most successful result of the season involved the boys coming second at the Severnside Football Tournament, beating Clifton College on penalties in the semi-final! There were also wins and draws vs Clifton High, Rougemont, Beaudesert and Wycliffe College. A special mention to Oscar HP and Hugo L who captained and vice-captained the side excellently and shared the Best Footballer award.
Next season will see us play in the Independent Schools National Cup for the first time in our School’s history - a challenge we are very much look forward to.
Mr Ross
Second XI
The 2nd XI football team had a good season this year, including matches against Clifton College, QEH, Wycliffe and Clifton High School. The season was extremely succesful including victories over Beaudesert and Clifton College. It was a pleasure to see the boys work together as a team and to see them develop as players. Well done to everyone for their hard work and commitment.
Mr Perez
Football Colours
Congratulations to Oscar HP, Hugo L, Alex FW, Freddie S, Bertie M, Oscar B, Basil B, Charlie D, Henry W and Jack D who were awarded Football colours during the year!
The Sharland Football Cup for Best Football Player: Oscar HP and Hugo L
1st XI Players (Back Row L to R): Basil B, Hugo L, Charlie D, Jack D, Alex FW, Freddie S, Stan B, (Front Row L to R): Ronnie H, Theo G, Harrison C, Joe L, Oscar HP, Bertie M, Oscar B
(Not pictured: George C, Oliver W, Max H, Henry W
2nd XI Players
Henry W, Jack D, Finley C, Oliver W, Max H, Jasper H, Oscar D, Leon F, David E, George Gr, Hongyi Z, Seb E, Albie P, Harry P, Rupert P,
U11 Wanderers
A fantastic season of football for an extremely talented and hard-working group of players. We played some superb football throughout our 10 matches and thoroughly deserved to boast a record of 8 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat. The highlight of the term was the amazing 5-0 victory vs Beaudesert, a match where we were simply outstanding from start to finish. A notable mention must go to Richard for his impressive goalscoring record of 12 goals in 10 matches but these goals only came due to the hard work and skill of his teammates. Well done to the squad for a brilliant season.
Mr Weeks
U11 Rovers
The Under 11 Rovers wrapped up a season filled with excitement, challenges and plenty of growth. The team showed immense character, resilience, and a ‘never give up’ Tockington attitude that made them a joy to watch and coach.
Throughout the season, the Rovers found themselves in several tight battles. Some matches went down to the wire, with the team on the wrong side of the scoreline in the dying moments. Those tough losses were hard to take, but they also served as valuable lessons in composure, teamwork, and perseverance.
On the flip side, the team also won some nail-biting encounters, showing real determination and belief in their abilities. Those victories highlighted the Rovers’ growing confidence and ability to handle pressure when it mattered most, a particular highlight being QEH away.
As the season comes to an end, the Rovers can be proud of their development. With the lessons learned this year, they are ready to take on new challenges. Well done, Rovers!
Mr
Harvey-Knowles
U11 Athletic
It has been a great term for TMS Athletic, where all the players have shown great progress in their skills and the way they played as a team. Throughout the season, the team showed resilience and determination, and it was wonderful to see them scoring goals and winning games by the end of the Spring Term. Their efforts culminated in a fantastic 3-0 win against Rougemont, a well-deserved result for all the players after they put in so much hard work throughout the season. Well done, TMS Athletic.
Mr Reeves
U11 Crusaders
This has been a very enjoyable season for the Crusaders. During the term, they gelled as a team and developed their footballing skills. There were some very close games which gave a real confidence boost to the players. Throughout the season, every one of the team members works hard for each other, showing superb teamwork, particularly highlighted in our game against Rougemont. Congratulations on a fantastic season!
Mr Drury
U11 Players: Will B, Efan D, Max A, Herbie D, Tommy G, Richard L, Rapha G, Luke H, Robbie O, Alex E, Ayansham S, James VP, Dudu Y, Anthony K, Lamar A, Patrick M, Hugo C, Akilan V, Fred M, Rex G, Toby B, Ben S, Ben C, Jasper B, Henry T, Theodore H, Dylan N, Hugh P, Patrick M, Robert O, Sameer A, Brendan B
U9 Albion
The Albion football team had a fantastic season and all the players worked hard, enjoying every game and training. During this season, we played against St John’s, QEH, Clifton High School and The Downs. The boys were fantastic, always keen and ready to play and this made the games very enjoyable to watch. Well done to everyone for a great season of football!
Mr Perez
U9 Rovers
This has been an excellent season for the U9 Rovers who have grown in confidence and ability as the term progressed. There have been some fantastic performances against opposition schools with the stand-out game being against Llandaff where the team scored eight goals in a superb all round performance. Special mention must go to Freddie B who scored five of the goals and Jack H who scored a hattrick.
Mr
Drury
U9 City
A fantastic season for this talented group of Year 3 and Year 4 pupils. We were delighted with the stlye of football the group played, with the entire squad keen to pass the ball as much as possible. Without a designated goalkeeper there was the opportunity for all boys to play in multiple positions which really enhanced their performance across the season. Fiixtures included excellent wins vs QEH, Rougemont and CSL. We look forward to seeing these boys continue to progress next year.
Mr Harvey
U9 Players: Freddie B, Charlie B, Reuben HS, Wilf B, Oscar C, Owen B, Max K, Vito D, Harry Bl, Harry Ba, William I, David L, Gabriel T, Faris L, Seb W, Jadon O, Samuel P, Archie C, Oliver C, Ranveer C, Jack H, Clarke M
Girls Football
Football grew in popularity amongst the girls again, with 2025 providing plenty of opportunities for them to play. As well as the U13 girls' annual fixtures with Clifton High and DCSJ, there have also been fixtures for the U9 and U11 girls. Opposition included The Downs, Dean Close St John's, Rougemont, Howells and also a touring side from Guilford and we are keen to grow these fixtures going forward.
Football club was popular again with a good third of its members being girls. It's a real pleasure to see so many girls enjoying football and we will continue to work to provide playing opportunities again in 2026.
Year 5-8 (Boys and Girls) Maclellan Cup for House Football
A fantastic afternoon of football involving all of our Prep School pupils who were seeking to win the prestigious MacLellan Cup. All three tournaments carried the same weight and different winners in each meant for a tight finish.
Alexander were winners of both the U11 and U9 competitions and finished on 6 points. Cunningham won the U13 competition and came second in the U9 and U11, finishing on equal points with Alex. It went down to goal difference, which was enough to take Cunningham over the line for the 5th tournament in a row!
Certificates U9:
Player of the Tournament William I
Top Goalscorers Seb W and Harry Ba
Most Improved Players Oscar C, Wilf Bl, David L
Certificates U11:
Player of the Tournament Brendan B
Top Goalscorer Brendan B
Most Improved Players Robbie O, Anthony K, James VP
Certificates U13:
Player of the Tournament Theo G
Top Goalscorer Oscar HP
Most Improved Players Oscar D, George G
Overall Winner - Cunningham
NETBALL
U13 Players Amelie K, Gloria D, Poppy R, Annabelle O, Leila Belle S, Emma S, Connie S, Sienna R, Jessica W, Emma F, Issy P, Lara W, Isabelle D, Sienna B and Evie S
We had two squads and played seven fixtures. Results improved as the season progressed and we were delighted when both A and B teams signed off with two great results: a 10:2 win over Castle School and an 11:8 victory vs Collegiate.
It was a pleasure to see the girls develop as players. They each made positions their own, worked hard as a unit and developed to form effective combinations on court. I look forward to building the new U13 squad next year. Thank you to all these girls - another very rewarding netball season which I have thoroughly enjoyed.
Mrs Tregenza
Netball Colours
Congratulations to Poppy R, Gloria D, Annabelle O, Amelie K and Leila Belle S who were all awarded Netball Colours during the course of the year!
U13
U11/10 Players: Sophie G, Evie S, Emma VP, Sienna B, Isabelle D, Bella H, Lois R, Evie P, Emily W, Diya D, Harriet R, Margot C, Boro G, Rosalie C, Bea B, Charlie B, Bella R, Izzy H, Rosemary H, Tilly H, Pearl L, Ayla T, Bonnie B, Sophia H, Effie M, Isla M, Arabella G, Lexi J, Danielle B, Hannah B and Olive W.
U11 / U10
The U11/U10 girls had a very successful netball season. Our large numbers enabled us to work with four squads: Storm, Thunder, Pulse, and the Dragons. The combination of traditional 7-a-side and Bee Stinger formats allowed for fluid movement between the squads.
Throughout the season, the teams participated in six fixtures and three tournaments, including the Severnside tournament. The girls impressed us with their ability to transition between the 5-a-side and full 7-a-side games, learning positional responsibilities while applying skills and techniques from games lessons into match play. We look forward to continuing this fantastic progress and building on the success of this season. As we move forward, we are excited to develop new squads across U13 and U11.
Mrs Williams and Mrs Ross
NSL Trip to Cardiff House of Sport, Dragons v London Mavericks
Some of our Year 6 - 8 girls travelled to the Cardiff House of Sport to see the first match of the newly revamped Netball Super League 2025 season. As the league moves netball towards a new era of professionalism, there was much to enthuse our already passionate Tockington players.
There were some new rules; the most exciting being a five-minute power play each quarter where shooters can get double points for longer-range shots. There is also an opportunity for teams to take a 90-second time out, aimed at keeping spectators even more on the edge of their seats.
Our 18 girls were brilliantly behaved - engrossed in the show on court, including a 6'5" shooter! Our 'local' Cardiff Dragons didn't get the outcome they wanted (London Mavericks 65:56), but the trip was a great result for us; a live snapshot of what goes on at the top and some context to this great sport as it evolves into the next era. The girls were a pleasure to be with and I thank Mrs Williams and Mrs Fussell for their support on the night.
Year 4 follows the England Netball format - Bee Flier 4-a-side. This set-up allows the girls to focus on key fundamental netball skills at U9, and proof that this approach works lies both in the score lines from matches and also the development visible from the mini-court sidelines. We were delighted to see individuals enjoying their netball and making such big steps to progress their game; many players were regular attendees at weekly netball club. In matches, the girls showed how they could move the ball around as a team and we were impressed to see them work so well together. Of the 51 mini-match score lines recorded, 37 were victorious against schools such as Collegiate, Clifton High and Cathedral School, Llandaff. We scored more than 132 goals (some game scores were not recorded) which is fantastic for this age group! So much to be proud of and so much to look forward to for our Year 4 players - a really enjoyable season.
U8
Following a productive hockey season, the girls transitioned seamlessly into netball, recognising how they could transfer much of their knowledge to the game. Throughout the season, we have seen growing confidence in their throwing, catching and passing, along with an increased focus during matches. The girls have especially enjoyed learning shooting techniques and the Bee Flier format has given everyone the opportunity to take on this role.
With a total of seven fixtures and a festival under their belts, the team has made fantastic progress. We look forward to building on these skills next year and continuing to develop our young netballers.
Mrs Tregenza
U9 Players: Imelda A, Asia B, Amy G, Eleanor G, Adaline G, Tilly R, Florence T, Anna W, Charlotte W, Sophia D, Zoey Z, Clara C, Rozi C, Florence F, Imogen P, Isabella H and Florence R
U8 Players: Isabella H, Elsie B, Imogen P, Anna vN, Florence M, Jess R, Ivy B, Jessica B, Florence R, Olivia B, Amber R and Pranava V
Outside of School
At Tockington we run Netball clubs for girls and boys from Year 1 to Year 8. This creates a healthy interest in this popular sport and more and more girls every year are joining local clubs to play alongside school. Congratulations to Sienna B who was selected to play with the Vortex Netball Academy. This is a Bristol-based premier training programme dedicated to providing elite coaching. We look forward to seeing even more girls competing in clubs in the next academic year - the benefits are tremendous.
Year 5-8 Farr Cup for House Netball
This year, each tournament contributed equal 'weighted' points towards an overall House winner, all players were reminded that every goal, in every match, mattered. As a result, 12 matches were played in excellent spirit with exchanges showcasing excitement, grit and determination reserved only for the netball court on House Netball afternoon!
Across the board, a fabulous 99 goals were scored. Churchill secured 16 of these on the Year 3 court and a further 18 from their Year 4s. Alexander was victorious in the Year 6 - 8s with convincing 7:3 and 10:5 wins. Cunningham shone as brightly as the spring sunshine by coming second in both the Y5 and 6 - 8 tournaments. The afternoon belonged to Churchill however, and the Farr Cup was presented to Amelie K by Mr Symonds.
The afternoon was a perfect way to close a most enjoyable season, ably led by House Captains Annabelle O, Gloria D and Amelie K. Mrs Williams, Mrs Ross and Miss Forrest were thanked for keeping everything ship-shape and running to the tight schedule.
Overall Results
Certificates Year 3 Tournament:
Player of the Tournament Florence R
Most Valuable Player Pranava V
Most Improved Player Jess B
Certificates Year 4 Tournament:
Player of the Tournament Tilly R
Most Valuable Player Eleanor G
Most Improved Player Amy G
Certificates Year 5 Tournament:
Player of the Tournament Danielle B
Most Valuable Player Rosemary H
Most Improved Player Olive W
Certificates Year 6-8 Tournament:
Player of the Tournament Diya D
Most Valuable Player Sienna R
Most Improved Players Hattie R, Lara W, Amelie K
CRICKET
1st XI
Cricket is thriving at Tockington Manor with more pupils playing outside of school than ever before, in addition to the countless opportunities provided at school. The hard work starts on the cold winter nights, with Mr Weeks, Mr Drury and I running our popular winter programme. This allows us to get the season off to a flying start and hopefully soon those winter sessions will be inside our new sports centre!
This season continued to provide an opportunity for both boys and girls with four senior sides once again. Everyone gained the opportunity to develop their hardball skills during the season and all students represented the school on numerous occasions, both in hard and soft ball. Many individual performances stood out throughout the season for the 1st XI, who for the first time in the School's history, entered the regional IAPS competition. Notable performances came from left-arm bowler Harrison C, whose opening spell in our IAPS first round game vs Cathedral School Llandaff was extremely special. Max H scored 50* against his old school DCSJ, guiding us to a famous tie in the process. 1st team captain Hugo L was exceptional with the gloves and developed his tactical knowledge throughout the season. Although these are
individual performances, it is important to reflect on the importance of the whole team this season, with everyone contributing hugely to the team’s success.
Two Friday night fixtures provided additional challenges for the team, going toe to toe with Clifton College and Cathedral School Llandaff. Both of these matches were described by Mr Symonds as county-level fixtures, a huge compliment for our school and 1st XI side. There was also an excellent win vs Clifton College at Beggars Bush, where late runs from Theo G guided the side home. Highlights of the season included wins against Clifton and Sidcot, with huge amounts of runs scored throughout the campaign. Importantly, the team always played in the right spirit and with a smile on their faces.
Congratulations to all who represented the 1st XI this season. I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing the Year 7s lead the team with the help of the talented upcoming Year 6 pupils. I also wish all the best to the Year 8 leavers and thank them for their services to cricket at the school. I hope you continue to play and enjoy cricket at your respective senior schools.
Mr Ross
Players: (Back Row L to R) Charlie D, Max H, Oscar H-P, Oliver W, Hugo L, Basil B, Harrison C, Joe L, Theo G. (Kneeling L to R) Max A (sub), Luke H (sub).
Not pictured : Charlie B, Bertie M, Oscar B
2nd XI
The 2nd XI cricket team has enjoyed a season marked by strong development, competitive spirit and emerging talent across all year groups. The 2nd XI demonstrated growing confidence and skill, producing a series of commendable performances throughout the term which included four wins and two losses.
Our opening fixture vs The Downs saw the team build momentum quickly, with disciplined bowling and muchimproved fielding laying the foundations for success, winning by 25 runs. Several close matches followed vs Dean Close, Collegiate and Wycliffe which tested the team’s resolve, but consistent teamwork and resilience were key themes, particularly in tense finishes where calm heads prevailed. This was epitomised in the fivewicket victory vs Clifton College, gaining the runs with only two overs to spare. With the bat, a number of players stepped up to deliver vital contributions, Freddie 42, Charlie 47 and Sienna 18, showing good shot selection and an increasing awareness of match situations. Middleorder partnerships, like George, Poppy and Henry proved crucial in chasing down targets, and their standout innings displayed real potential for advancement into 1st XI teams in the future.
On the bowling front, the team benefited from a mix of paces, with a handful of players establishing themselves as reliable wicket-takers including a four-wicket haul for captain fantastic, Poppy. Perhaps most impressive was the team spirit and positive attitude, with every player showing enthusiasm and commitment regardless of the match outcome. Overall, the 2nd XI’s season can be viewed as a significant step forward, with many players gaining valuable experience and the Year 8s leading by example. The future of cricket at Tockington Manor looks promising.
Mr Harvey-Knowles
2nd XI Squad: Poppy R, Alex F-W, Freddie S, Charlie B, Charlie D, Henry W, Oscar D, Sienna R, Jack D, Stan B, Rupert P, Jasper B, George C, George G
3rd XI Squad: Finley C, Amelie K, Gloria D, Seb E, Ronnie H, Harry P, Oscar D, Leon F, Emma F, George G
4th XI Squad (pictured L to R): Albie P, Hongyi Z, David E, Issy P, Leila Belle S, Connie S, (Kneeling) Emma S, Lara W, (Not Pictured) Annabelle O
3rd XI
The 3rd XI had a positive season, with all players making good progress in their cricketing skills. Throughout the season, they faced some strong sides, leading to five losses and one win at the close of play. The highlight of the season was undoubtedly the win against Dean Close St. John’s. Other moments of note include George’s numerous boundaries at The Downs, Emma F’s bowling, Harry P and Leon F's passion for the game in every match and Finley C and Amelie K’s captaincies. A great team effort, well done, everyone!
Mr Reeves
4th
XI
The 4th XI had a very successful Softball Pairs season, making excellent progress both as a squad and as individual players. By the end of the term, Annabelle O, Leila Belle S and Issy P had all progressed to hard ball cricket in lessons, while Lara W and Hongyi Z, both new to cricket this year, showed at the House Challenge just how far they’ve come. Fixtures for the 4th XI, often against top U12 school and club players, provided many highlights, including Issy P’s captaincy, a strong batting partnership forming between Emma S and Lara W, Leila Belle’s efforts behind the stumps, bowling successes from Albie P, David E, and Connie S, and great contributions in the field from Hongyi Z and Annabelle O, who also hit the most boundaries. I thoroughly enjoyed every lesson and match with this squad and really hope our Year 8 leavers go on to enjoy their cricket in their chosen schools.
Mrs Tregenza
U11 Gladiators
U11 Gladiators
This has been a highly successful season for the Gladiators who have performed to a very high standard in all the games. Every member of the team has contributed whether in bowling, batting or fielding. There have been some stand out matches, most notably the nine-wicket win over The Downs where both Max A and Will B batted superbly and the final ball victory over Collegiate where Theo H bowled a fantastic spell. We had a very enjoyable eight-a-side competition at Queen's Taunton school, where the pupils gained some valuable experience for the future. There are some very talented cricketers in this team who have been a joy to coach, always eager to improve, encourage their teammates and behave impeccably in training and fixtures. Well done to everyone involved in a very successful year.
Mr Drury
U11 Outlaws
A fine summer for the Outlaws, who progressed well as the term went on. The group competed nicely during four soft ball games before deservedly playing two hard ball matches to finish the season following some excellent net sessions. The highlight of the season was the hard ball victory against Collegiate, where we bowled superbly and batted with confidence and maturity. It was great to see the squad so keen to experience hard ball cricket, many for the first time, and this will set them up well for the seasons to come.Collegiate was the highlight of the matches and team spirit was superb throughout. Well done to the whole squad.
Mr Weeks
Cricket Colours
Congratulations to all of our Year 8s who achieved Cricket Colours this year!
County Cricket News
Several of our boys were selected to play in performance squads for Gloucestershire County Cricket. Luke and Max played in the U11s while Rapha gained a place in the U10s squad. It is a great achievement to be picked as some of the best cricketing boys in the county –well done!
U11 Gladiators Players: (Back Row L to R) Danielle B, Tommy G, Hugh P, Henry T, Rapha G, William B, Robbie O (Kneeling L to R) Jasper B, Theo H, Alex E,
U11 Eagles
Coaching the U11 Eagles this season has been a thoroughly rewarding experience with the team showing significant development. What began as a group of individuals contributing separately turned into a team of players wanting to perform to their best ability - particularly evident in the final fixture against Westonbirt. In that game, the players demonstrated excellent teamwork, supporting one another in the field, backing each other up, and taking calculated risks when running between the wickets.
Much of this progress can be attributed to the commitment and effort shown during lessons. Pupils listened attentively to technical advice and persevered in the nets, with a strong focus on improving their batting and bowling. The results of this hard work were clearly visible, with the team progressing from an initial score of 235 in their opening game to an impressive total of 310 in their final match. Notably, extras were significantly reduced - by the last game, only 15 extras were conceded across 15 overs.
It has been an exciting season of cricket and there is great anticipation for continued development and enjoyment when the team returns next summer.
Mrs Ross
U11 Dragons
Dragons had a positive season of cricket with all the children working hard and progressing well during the term. The standard of cricket was good and although we lost four games and won one, the results were always close. All players worked hard for the team and we look forward to next year!
Mr Perez
U11 Squad Players
Outlaws: Rex G, Brendan B, Dylan N, Anthony K, Herbie D, Toby B, Efan D, Hugo C, Sienna B, Bella R, Robbie O, Fred M, Emma VP, Patrick M
Eagles: Diya D, Ayla T, Effie M, Richard L, Lexi J, Ben C, Teddy S, James VP, Emily W, Evie S
Dragons: Patrick M, Lamar A, Dudu Y, Bonnie B, Bea B, Harriet R, Aryansham S, James V-P.
Sharks & Tigers: Ayla T, Richard L, Lexi J, Ben C, Rosalie C, Akilan V, Evie P, Pearl L, Bella H, Lois R, Izzy H, Ben S, Sameer A, Isla M, Rosemary H, Matilda H, Olive W, Sophie G, Charlie B, Margot C
U11 Sharks & Tigers
The U11 Sharks and Tigers had a fantastic season filled with enthusiasm, determination and noticeable progress. With many players featuring across both squads in various combinations, they have shown great flexibility, teamwork and commitment throughout their matches. It has been a real pleasure to coach them and watch their confidence and game awareness grow with each fixture. The bowlers regularly delivered maiden overs and batting also showed improved precision, with many players hitting boundaries. A great all-round season!
Mrs Ross & Miss Forrest
Trip to Lords
A group of older pupils had the opportunity to visit possibly the world's most famous cricket club, Lords, to watch the Clifton College 1st XI play Rugby School in the final of the National Schools T20 Championships. Former TMS Captain, Logan Bowden, was in the starting XI and it was an inspirational day out for the children!
U9 Braves
This has been a very encouraging season for the Braves, who have improved week by week both in their training and matches. There have been many competitive games against other schools, including Llandaff and Dean Close St John’s, where the children produced some excellent cricket, especially in the bowling and fielding department. Fielding is something we have worked hard on and it was fantastic to hear one of the opposition coaches comment on how well TMS were performing in the field. Special mention to William I who took some superb catches throughout the season, Joshan who played some excellent shots when batting and Archie C for some fantastic bowling. The team has been a joy to coach this season, encouraging each other and working together to improve their cricketing skills.
Mr Drury
U9 Phoenix
The Phoenix team had a fantastic season, demonstrating great progress and team spirit. Season highlights included a win against Collegiate, some thrilling boundaries, excellent teamwork in the field, and a standout maiden over against Cathedral School. Our bowling has shown considerable improvement, with most players now using a straight arm and delivering with greater consistency. Some of our players have gone on to represent other teams and we have welcomed several new faces. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Phoenix and they should be proud of their season!
Miss Forrest
U9 Rockets
The Under 9 Rockets team enjoyed a fantastic and encouraging season, playing four matches and securing victories in three of them. The team's enthusiasm, skill development and team spirit were evident throughout every game, making it a memorable season for players, coaches and supporters alike.
From the very first match, the Rockets showed great promise with excellent performances across all departments. The batting was confident and creative, with many players demonstrating solid technique and a growing understanding of shot selection and running between the wickets. Our bowlers consistently impressed, showing both accuracy and control, with several players taking key wickets at important moments.
Fielding was another area where the Rockets shone. From sharp catches to energetic chases and accurate throws, the team's commitment and focus on the field played a big role in their success. Every player contributed, and their teamwork was a highlight of the season.
A big thank you to all the parents and family members who supported the team this year - your encouragement makes all the difference.
Mr Harvey-Knowles
U9 Superchargers
A fantastic first season of cricket for this team, who worked hard in lessons and then tried hard in their fixtures. We lost two games and won another two, showing great progression and enthusiasm in the game.
Mr Perez
U9 Players: Harry Bl, Harry Ba, Archie C, Asia B, Joshan M, William I, David L, Gabe T, Faris L, Clara C, Eleanor G, Imi A, Clarke M, Freddie B, Adaline GL, Jack H, Amy G, Isabella He, Reuben HS, Floss R, Imogen P, Elsie B, Zoey Z, Jadon O, Vito D, Sophia D, Florence F, Rosalia C, Ivy B, Allegra B, Max K, Amber R, Oliver C, Olivia B, Bella H, Flo M, Anna VN, Jess B, Jess R, Oscar C, Jadon O, Anna W, Charlotte W, Ranveer C, Tilly R, Seb W, Charlie B,
U9 Invincibles
The U9 Invincibles squad featured a talented group of Year 4 players, supported by several outstanding Year 3 pupils who were new to school cricket this year. As was clear during the House Challenge, every player made noticeable progress over the season, developing strong bowling techniques and demonstrating impressive understanding of the game. The most memorable moment of the season for me came in the final two overs against The Downs,
when Imi A and Clarke M bowled with superb control and quiet composure, securing a win with 15 runs to spare. With three wins from four matches, other highlights included dominant victories over both Collegiate and St John’s, where we exceeded their totals by nearly 40 runs.
The Invincibles were a pleasure to coach this year, and I look forward to seeing their continued progress in the years ahead.
Mrs Tregenza
U9 Originals
The Originals’ enthusiasm and enjoyment throughout the season has been outstanding. They approached all aspects of the game, batting, bowling and fielding with eagerness and commitment. As the term progressed, it was encouraging to see individuals begin to flourish in specific roles, embracing the responsibilities of their positions. Students listened carefully to advice on improving their game and showed excellent perseverance, particularly in their bowling. Their determination to keep pushing forward is a real credit to their resilience. Bowling, in particular, saw marked improvement over the season. This progress was clearly demonstrated in the match against Collegiate, a thrilling contest that ended with both teams scoring the same number of runs, going right down to the final ball. With such promising development, there is great anticipation for what this team can achieve next season.
Mrs Williams
Copenhagen Cup for House Cricket
For 2025 all children in Years 3 - 8 represented their House in one of five tournaments. Not only were we bathed in beautiful sunshine on both days, we saw some excellent cricket being played and even had a visit from Gloucestershire Cricket's Alfred the Gorilla!
U13 Hardball Tournament
Churchill v Cunningham – Cunningham won by 6 wickets
In this match, the result hung in the balance right until the end. Cunningham put 52 on the board off 10 overs, with Jack D being the top scorer and Charlie D bowling a very good spell. In reply, Churchill dealt with some tight bowling from Cunningham, however a good partnership between Oscar H-P and Max A steered Cunningham to a hard-fought victory.
A lively game saw Alex post 59, thanks to contributions from Max H and Luke H. Cunningham’s bowlers all impressed. In reply, strong hitting from Joe L and a fine knock by Theo G sealed the win.
Alexander v Churchill – Churchill won by 8 wickets
A high-scoring clash with Alexander posting 73, led by Luke H. Theo H's fielding and Max A's bowling stood out. Despite early wickets from Alexander, a strong partnership with the bat from Churchill’s Oscar H-P and Max A secured their victory.
Most Valuable Player: Theo G
Most Improved Player: George G
Player of the Tournament: Max A
Mr Ross & Mr Drury
Cunningham v Alexander – Cunningham won by 8 wickets
U13 Softball Pairs Tournament
Cunningham 257 vs Churchill 246
Alexander 244 vs Cunningham 246
Alexander 290 vs Churchill 246
Most Valuable Player: Bonnie B
Most Improved Player: Emma F
Player of the Tournament: Alex E
U11 Softball Pairs Tournament
Cunningham 270 vs Churchill 247
Alexander 266 vs Churchill 254
Alexander 274 vs Cunningham 244
Most Valuable Player: Dylan N
Most Improved Player: Ayla T
Player of the Tournament: Bea B
U8/9 Softball Pairs Tournament
Cunningham 231 vs Churchill 228
Cunningham 236 vs Alexander 251
Alexander 241 vs Churchill 230
Most Valuable Player: Gabriel T
Most Improved Player: Charlotte W
Player of the Tournament: Ranveer C
U8 Softball Pairs Tournament
Cunningham 262 vs Churchill 238
Churchill 300 vs Alexander 249
Cunningham 267 vs Alexander 235
Most Valuable Player: Vito D
Most Improved Player: Bella H
Player of the Tournament: Jadon O
Overall Results
Following a fantastic afternoon of cricket full of energy, teamwork and skill, the Year 3 & 4 games contributed 3 points to Churchill, 6 points to Alexander and 9 points to Cunningham.
Combined with the Year 5 - 8 results, the final scores showed a clear winner with Cunningham stealing the top position from last year’s winners Alexander. The Copenhagen Cup was presented to Cunningham’s House Captains, Annabelle O and Jack D, in recognition of their team’s fantastic performance.
Gloucestershire County Cricket Visit
8
In January, Gloucestershire County Cricket coach, Owen Dawkins gave an assembly on fulfilling your dreams and aspirations. This was on the back of the team winning the 2024 Vitality T20 Blast. Tockington is proud to be a fervent supporter of the GCCC team and Owen brough the Trophy in for the children to see. Each class got to have their photo taken with Owen and the impressive trophy (it also happened to be 'Bring Your Teddy to School Day!).
In June, a few of our children also had the opportunity to provide the Guard of Honour for both the Men's and Women's team T20 matches against Glamorgan. In addition to sponsoring Owen and the teammascot, Alfred, we also put our name behind Ladies player, Melissa Storey this year. Cricket is in Tockington's blood and we are incredibly proud to continue our association with the team. Well done to all the children who represented TMS so well on the day and to the
YEAR 3GB
YEAR 4R
YEAR 5G
YEAR 6H
YEAR 7D
YEAR 3GL
YEAR 4S
YEAR 5R
YEAR 6G
YEAR 7R
ATHLETICS
Athletics continues to be a strong and successful sport at Tockington. The track was very well used, with the pupils taking part in all the track and field events on offer. Our Monday running club and Friday evening Athletics Clubs were well attended; the pupils always enthusiastic and willing to work hard. Thank you to Mr Weeks and Mrs Tregenza for their help, and particularly Miss Green for running her throws club, which has helped all of our field athletes to improve their technique.
We attended the annual Beaudesert Park athletics meeting in May, achieving an amazing 27 podium places and 12 Severnside Champions - including triple champion Emma V-P!
In June we competed in the South West Athletics Championships at Millfield School. The athletes performed admirably and we had a great day out gaining invaluable experience. We had four South West Champions by the end of proceedings: Theo G winning the Under 13 Boys Javelin, Emma V-P winning the U12 Javelin, Sienna B winning the U12 Shot Putt and Isabelle D winning the U12 High Jump. We are very proud of all our athletes, who performed outstandingly well on a hot day at Millfield. The group behaved impeccably and were a pleasure to take to the event. Alongside many Personal Bests were 13 podium places. Silver medals were won by Tommy G (High Jump), Evie S (Long Jump), Sienna R (Discus), and Charlie D (Javelin). Bronze medals went to Harrison C (1500), Max A (200m), Emma V-P (100m), and Joe L (Discus). Congratulations to all athletes who gained vital experience from the event.
Freeman Cup for House Athletics
1. Cunningham - 652 points
2. Churchill - 581 points
3. Alexander - 566 points
Victor / Victrix Ludorum Results
U10 Boys - William I
U10 Girls - Anna W
U12 Boys - Tommy G
U12 Girls - Emma VP
U14 Boys - Theo G
U14 Girls - Poppy R
Eight of our elite athletes took part in the National Prep School Championships at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, a stadium recently used at the Commonwealth Games. This was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to compete at the highest level. Theo G and Emma V-P both placed 6th in their respective Javelin events. Tommy G and Isabelle D were Tockington’s first pupils to compete in the High Jump at the National finals, with Sienna B, Sienna R, Charlie D and Evie S all achieving commendable results. Congratulations to all eight of you, what an experience! You all performed to the best of your ability and were an absolute credit to Tockington throughout the term. I would like to thank our loyal and supportive parents for their help and encouragement at all of our events this term.
Pupils worked consistently towards gaining points for their Houses and individually on improving their PBs. Years 3-8 achieved some excellent times and distances with the revamped ESAA Award Scheme proving a real encouragement in their pursuit of selfimprovement. 142 Gold Award standards were reached, with many of our pupils achieving 4 or more in a range of events.
I would like to thank Oscar and Leila Belle for the excellent job they did as Athletics Captains - they were excellent role models for our younger pupils. This was apparent when, together with their Year 8 class, they helped lead a very well-run Sports Day for the Pre-Prep.
The House Athletics Finals were, as usual, closely fought. Cunningham ended victorious, with Churchill in 2nd.
Mr Ross
TENNIS
Tennis has remained a popular choice during Games lessons and breaktimes this year. There has also been strong attendance at the after-school Racquet Skills Club and we are encouraged to see more and more younger pupils now joining external clubs, inspired by their school experience.
In the Summer Term, we played three school fixtures against The Downs and Dean Close St John’s, with our doubles pairs rotating to allow players to face multiple opponents and gain valuable match experience. Pupils took responsibility for umpiring and scoring, and both Mr Ross and I were impressed by the high standard of play, maturity and sportsmanship on display. We were proud to see many skilful players coming through the year groups, with our players most often on the winning side.
Mrs Tregenza
Internal Tournaments
These were once again played with great enthusiasm and a high level of competition. Despite some challenging weather, matches were closely fought, producing exciting tennis throughout. Results were as follows:
The Simpson Cup (Junior Singles)
Teddy S
The Pritchard Cup (Junior Doubles)
Hugh P and Efan D
The Hilliard Cup (Senior Girls Singles)
Gloria D
The Rapson Cup (Senior Boys Singles)
Alex FW
The James Finnigan Cup (Senior Doubles)
Alex FW and Basil B
The Lucy Newman Trophy (Mixed Doubles)
Gloria D and Alex FW
EQUESTRIAN
The equestrian team have had a very busy 12 months, with all members out competing in local and national events across all disciplines.
Sophie G represented Tockington Manor at the NSEA national championship at both 70 and 80cm on her pony Lupin. She also represented the school at Hickstead at the Hurst Collage showjumping event on her pony Jojo. She and Jojo took home two national championship titles, winning both the 90 and 1m British Showjumping KBIS National Junior Club Championships, the first junior rider to do so since at least 2016!
Lupin gained new skills under the reins of Clara C when they competed in the pony racing league. In her first season out, Clara stormed into the lead in the Pony Club 128 and is hoping to stay in the lead to reach the national pony racing ball in December at Ascot. She also represented Tockington Manor at the NSEA grassroots championship at Hickstead on her other pony Lollipop at 40, 50 and 60cm.
Hattie R had a great year playing Polo and showjumping for her Pony Club branch, placing 3rd at the Polo championships, along with multiple placings at showjumping and one day events on both her ponies. She and her fellow riders took team 1st in the 70cm regional pony club showjumping championships whilst Hattie scored a first in the 90cm at the Pony club area 9 showjumping day.
Our horse riding club proved very popular during the summer term and a host of children enjoyed learning more about the responsibility of caring for horses, beyond just learning to ride! At the stables, the children gained increasing confidence in the saddle but also developed a deeper understanding of what it means to care for ponies. From grooming and feeding to mucking out stables and learning about tack and equipment, the pupils engage in a full range of stable management activities.
Whether they were mastering a rising trot, riding some obstacle courses, or helping to clean out a feed bucket, the children showed patience, discipline and confidence. Thank you to Jean Ward and her team at Shepperdine Stables for their warm weekly welcome and expert guidance. The pupils definitely formed special bonds with the ponies and quickly found their favourites! We are looking forward to being reunited with them next year.
SPORTS DAYS
Our Sports Days from Nursery through to Year 8 were fantastic TMS community events and saw some incredible sporting performances. Our grass was not its usual lush green but we were thankful for the dry, hot days to welcome our parents in to watch the young athletes give it their all.
FRIENDS OF TOCKINGTON MANOR
The 2024-25 school year was full of our usual events but also a couple of new ones.
First up was our New Parents afternoon. This was our first time running this during aftercare instead of in the evening, and it was a lovely time outside in the Rose Garden getting to meet our new parents and spreading the word about FOTM and what we do.
Russell Run this year was well attended by families from all year groups in the school. Everyone had a lot of fun and over £300 donated to our Charity of the year, Teach Us Too through purchases of drinks and cakes. We were joined on the run by Jonathan and Chantal Bryan – the founders of the charity and it was a true delight to meet them both and learn more about their charity.
I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Chantel, her family and Teach Us Too after the passing of Jonathan in June. Whilst Jonathan is no longer with us, his charity and his story will continue on.
Next up was our Curry and Quiz night. For the second year in a row the teachers were beaten by a parents team – this year by Reception parents. Time for everyone to pull up their socks for the next one. I would like to thank Peter and Rachel Woodhouse for their many years of supporting this event as quizmaster and quiz admin. You have left big boots to fill this year! Good luck Richard Pedder!
Bonfire Night didn’t disappoint this year. Fantastic fireworks and a monster bonfire set the scene for a fantastic evening. A big thank you to Miss Green & Mrs Mockridge for their lovely campfire and apple slices. This event seems to grow and change every year.
This year Christmas was a little different to normal. Our Christmas event was on a Friday evening instead of the usual Saturday. We also added additional elements to the evening – an indoor bouncy snow globe, a puppet show and Father Christmas made himself comfortable in Mr Symonds' office. The weather wasn’t the best that day and the Government sent out their warning alert test during the event which impacted the latter part of our festivities.
Spring Term saw the return of the Charity Danceathon. Over 90 children learned new dance routines which they were able to perform at the end of their 45-minute session. We would like to thank Izzy Powell for leading the dancers and to Miss Green for organising the event.
The Easter Bunny visited us on the last day of term to work with the Year 8 students to run an egg hunt for over 260 children.
Fun Day is always a firm, family favourite but with the amount of work it takes and the amount of volunteers needed, the decision was made to change our event this year…welcome to the FOTM family ‘Rainbow Dash’ - our inaugural colour run!
With a new event, comes a lot of risk. Will it be an event that will interest our families, how will it run, will it make profit?
FOTM were committed to make this work and pulled together as a team more than ever before. Over 270 tickets sold for the event and an incredible time was had by all. Whilst not an event to be run every year, we cannot wait for the next one!
We would like to thank Clifton College and the school’s music department for the music and entertainment during the event.
This year FOTM ran bars at all (after school) plays and concerts, provided coffee vans at the school sports days, tuck shop and ran our annual Ice Cream social on our first sunny day for three years!
The money raised over the last 12 months will be going towards our new Forest School base and we have also spent money on the following smaller projects: Dry robes for our sports events, sound system for our plays, binoculars for the Ornithology club, Coding caterpillars for our Pre-prep aged children, new sofas for the library and a brand new addition to the languages department –the Bird House puppet theatre! We also supported the Year 8 leavers hoodies, Easter eggs, books and chocolate for the children at Christmas.
Thank you to everyone who has given their time to an event, donated items or purchased tickets, food and drink.
To the FOTM committee – your dedication and hard work pays off time and time again. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you do.
Helen & the FOTM committee.
OLD TOCKINGTONIANS
It has been wonderful, as always, to hear from our OTs around the world and receive them for visits back to the school. We enjoy hearing about the successes of our former pupils and encourage all our Old Tockingtonians to keep in touch!
What a pleasure it was to welcome Andrew White back to the school on the occasion of our House Football and Netball. Andrew was at Tockington from 1954 - 1958 and brought with him a big folder full of old photographs of the School. The one below shows Andrew seated on the right in front of the Manor House.
Ella Greenbank (left) represented Wales as part of Hoci Cymru's NAG (National Age Group) team in the EuroHockey Championship 2025. Ella grew her love for hockey at Tockington until she left in 2022. Well done Ella!
THEN & NOW: Meaghann Campbell
We were extremely proud to sponsor Old Tockingtonian Otis Walker (right and above) on a European training trip to Georgia with his Oxford University team. Otis had a chance to captain the OURFC First XVI, known as the Oxford Blues, in only his second year playing for them. Otis left Tockington with a Headmaster’s Scholarship to Haberdashers’ Monmouth in 2018, where he also became Deputy Head Boy.
THEN & NOW: Nael Al Salim
The Hambly family (below) visited us in May and it was wonderful to hear that Lyra and Freya are thriving in Australia.
Congratulations to Tom Edwards (above) who has been offered a place at Harvard University, which he will take up after completing his two years at the World Bank in Washington DC.
STAFF
This year we bid farewell to a long standing member of our TMS staff team, Sally Pearce. After 26 years of wonderful service to our school, including ten years as Nursery Manager, Sally will be retiring. With Sally at its helm, the Nursery has flourished, winning awards and bringing smiles to both children and parents alike - she will be missed! We will also miss the sturdy support of our HR Manager and SLT member, Gill Roberts, who moves on at the end of this school year. Farewell also to Mrs Dyer (nee Miss Coles) who left her mark on the Pre-Prep. Following the arrival of baby Raffy, Mrs Shopland announced she would be emigrating to Dubai with her family - we wish her all the best.
We were fortunate to have some excellent new staff join us too. Mr Reeves has made a solid contribution across Games, Maths and as a Year 5 Form Tutor. Miss Phillips instilled a passion for reading in her Year 1 class and will be extending that passion for literacy across the school in 2025/6 in her new role as Director of Studies. Mrs Fussell has made a tremendous contribution already in her role as Safeguarding Lead and SENCO.
TMS IN THE COMMUNITY
The 2024-2025 academic year saw us boosting our support for the local community through various initiatives.
In July we supported the Thornbury Carnival as a fantastic community event that brings local families together. With many TMS pupils further north on the A38, and a growing list of talented equestrians at the school, we were pleased to have a section of the course named after us at this year's Berkeley Races - perhaps the Tockington Manor School ditch will become a regular feature! This in turn led to our support of the Berkeley Soapbox - a fantastically fun event requiring innovation and resilience - two things our pupils possess in spades. Next year we hope to be able to field a junior team in the Youth Category we sponsored.
We supported the Oldbury-on-Severn Village Cricket Club - now in its third century of existence. How wonderful to play a part in keeping such a central part of the Parish community going, with several generations of local
families involved. Another long-running institution, the Almondsbury Gymkhana, took place on our doorstep and we were proud to support the 81st edition once again.
After a few years of bad weather, the sun shone beatifully for the 4th annual TMS Communities Festival. We welcomed Almondsbury Primary and Olveston Primary Schools to our pitches to compete against our teams in netball and football matches. A wonderful day was had by all and we look forward to expanding this to additional schools in future.
Children in our Board Games club spent an afternoon at Beech House Thornbury, playing a variety of games with the Care Home residents. From Scrabble to Giant Snakes and Ladders and Uno to Black Jack, the spirit of the afternoon was warm and meaningful. We are looking forward to making this intergeneration meeting a more frequent one!
“We were overjoyed to welcome the wonderful children from Tockington Manor to Beech House. Their visit brought so much joy, laughter and energy into our home."
CLIFTON COLLEGE EDUCATION GROUP
In our first full academic year as part of the Clifton College Education Group, we have had many opportunities to cooperate and learn with our colleagues and fellow pupils at Clifton College.
Healthy competition between our sports teams has continued unabated, with regular fixtures beefed up to include even more year groups. A fantastic match between the 1st XI teams from TMS and Clifton College culminated in a most enjoyable social occasion with players and their families enjoying a barbeque in the Tockington Rose Garden.
Also on the sports front, Clifton's Pre-Prep children came to visit our gorgeous grounds in the countryside for a day of athletics. The Year 2 pupils mixed up in groups with their penpals and took part in a variety of different activities. With the sun blazing in the sky, there was a great turnout of parents from both schools. Just a week later, the same pupils got to see their friends again as we visited the Clifton site in Bristol to enjoy some Forest School activities.
In June, our Heads and Deputies in Year 8 attended the Annual Remembrance Service at Memorial Woodlands to commemorate those who lost their lives in the war. Along with Cadets from Clifton College, we were the only schools represented and it is an honour to be invited to lay a wreath every year.
Early in the year, debating became a key area of collaboration as combined teams from both schools worked to argue their points. They formed strong bonds during the planning phase and collaborated brilliantly in putting forward convincing arguments. This became a valuable termly sparring and we look forward to upping the ante on the topics next year!
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
The children came together outside the pond to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2025. TMS was used as a base by the RAF in WWII.
This year, Clifton College School Council and TMS’ School Parliament came together for the first time to exchange ideas and build connections. In the first meeting, Clifton visited us, and we enjoyed a lively discussion about the similarities and differences between our schools. During the second visit, we travelled to Clifton, where we worked together to design joint activities for the future. Each meeting ended on a high note with an exciting debate between the two schools' debating societies, showcasing the enthusiasm and talent on both sides.
Our children were treated to a special taster table in the Spring Term when the catering team from Thomas Franks introduced them to the delights of rhubarb. Pupils were invited to try the tangy ingredient in fun and delicious ways. From tarts to crumbles and salads to smoothies, the selection of rhubarb-based dishes offered a tempting spread for the children to choose from.
We were extremely pleased to donate almost 30 bunk beds and over 70 mattresses to The British Heart Foundation and Samaritans. Roger and members of his Estates team spent the summer clearing out the old boarding rooms to make way for new classrooms and the Learning Support Department.
Rhubarb Taster Table
Bed Donation to charity
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