Weekly Round Up 21st March

Dear Parents

I hope you are all well.

Welcome to the final newsletter of Spring Term 2025. As I look back I reflect on what a busy term it has been, from welcoming elite athletes George Gregan and Emily Craig to The Prep to hearing about all the wonderful adventures pupils have had on various trips, from Year 3 visiting the V&A last week to the Year 6 residential in Paris. We’ve had World Book Day, Careers Day and Red Nose Day. We have played many sporting fixtures and celebrated the success of pupils gaining places at a wide number of schools, some close by and some further afield. I am so proud of all that the pupils have achieved.

Thank you to the team involved in organising the Mardi Gras Ball last Saturday. It was a spectacular event and I do not underestimate just how much hard work, time and effort goes into making it happen – so thank you again!

Next week, I will be joining Years 7 and 8 on their residential visit to the WWW1 battlefields of France and Belgium. I have been going on visits like this ever since I started teaching back in the 1990s and I am always, like the pupils, deeply moved by the experience. We all come back from trips like this a little wiser and with a little more understanding. This year, we will be following the story of one pupil’s great, great uncle, taking the opportunity to lay a wreath at his grave in France.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a restful, peaceful Easter.

Best wishes

Luke Harrison

Dear Parents,

As we come to the end of a truly wonderful Spring Term, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many highlights and successes that have made this term so special. From incredible themed weeks to outstanding academic achievements, our children have continued to thrive in an environment that is both enriching and nurturing.

One of the standout moments of the term has been our celebration of Book Week. The children were captivated by author visits, and it was a joy to see their enthusiasm for reading flourish. Our fantastic ‘hook days’ brought learning to life, with themes ranging from dinosaurs, featuring a special visit from a dinosaur specialist to Roald Dahl, where children created their own Wonka chocolate bars. These immersive experiences inspire curiosity and creativity, making learning an adventure.

Beyond our themed weeks, we have enriched the children’s learning with exciting trips. Visits to Leeds Castle allowed our young historians to step back in time, while our upcoming trip to the Cambridge Theatre for Year 2 to watch Matilda promises to be a magical experience. These opportunities extend far beyond the classroom, reinforcing our belief that education should be dynamic and inspiring. It is this approach to learning that sets us apart, ensuring that our children develop a deep love of learning and the confidence to explore new ideas.

Academically, this has been an exceptional term. I have had the privilege of meeting with every teacher across Pre-Prep this week to review the children’s progress in their books and data. The dedication of our staff, combined with the enthusiasm of our learners, has resulted in remarkable achievements. One area where our children continue to excel is in reading, with an overwhelming number of children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 exceeding national expectations. This is a testament to our structured and tailored approach to learning, ensuring that every child receives the support and challenge they need to succeed.

At Sevenoaks Prep, we closely track every child’s progress through pupil progress meetings, where we discuss each child as an individual and put in place strategies to support and extend their learning. This bespoke approach is at the heart of a Prep school education, allowing us to nurture potential and ensure that every child reaches their full capabilities.

This term has been a true celebration of learning, achievement and enrichment. As we look forward to the Summer Term, I am excited for the many more opportunities ahead and am so proud of all that our children have accomplished.

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable break.

Warm regards,

Helen Cook