From Mrs Ross 
 

and we approach our first half-term holiday, it feels like the perfect time to reflect upon the huge amount of learning and teaching that has taken place during the very busy beginning to our School Year. New families have quickly become part of the Pilgrims' Community and all the Pre-Prep boys have settled into their new routines with confidence. I hope that many of you will be able to join us as we celebrate the boys' progress and achievements in our Celebration Assembly next Wednesday.  

Inevitably, the boys (and staff) are beginning to feel ready for a rest and a reset for the second half of the Christmas Term, (...perhaps the most magical time of year in a Pre-Prep?)

I thank you for your continued support and wish you all a happy and restful half-term holiday.

* * * * * * * * * * 

Pilgrims' Shell Awards

Year 2 – to Theo N for his exceptionally clear and sensible phone call to the Fire Service.  

Year 1 - to Digby F for being an excellent role model for Year 1.  

Reception - to Guy C, for his effort and focus when working on his story map of 'The Little Red Hen'.

* * * * * * * * * * 

Diary dates: the week ahead
 

Saturday 15 October	0800-0900	PPA: Coffee and Bacon Sandwiches in the Yard
Monday 17 October	1615-1745	Pre-Prep Parents' Evening meetings (as pre-booked on My School Portal).
Wednesday 19 October	1115 1200	Pre-Prep Celebration Assembly in the Octagon Half-Term begins

 

* * * * * * * * * * 

Notices

Menus - Please find a link to next week's menus here, on My School Portal. 

PPA Fireworks Night, Friday 11 November - please find a link to the booking form here. Details in tonight's SchoolPost email. 

* * * * * * * * * * 

Any unwanted Lego? The Pre-Prep would love to take it off your hands! We would like to add to our supply of Lego for After-School Club, as well as within classrooms for learning and play, as we have a complete gang of Lego mad boys at the moment.

Please contact vford@pilgrims-school.co.uk if you can help.

* * * * * * * * * * 

From the PPA

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * 

Year 2

We were very lucky to welcome Carly, an Education Officer from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service, to the Pre-Prep on Tuesday afternoon. An hour in Carly’s company whizzed by. She engaged Year 1 and 2 in the seriousness of her subject whilst using lots of games, entertaining activities, rhymes and laughter.  

When questioned about how the fire service (or lack of!) in 1666 was different from the Fire Service we are lucky to have now, the Year 2 boys did themselves extremely proud! Year 2 were keen to contribute their wealth of knowledge of this area to the discussion. It was very impressive to watch.  

We were informed to check our smoke alarms in our houses ONCE A WEEK. In the Fire Service, they have renamed Tuesday to TEST IT TUESDAY. Maybe your son can have this responsibility in your home. 

The boys were challenged to work out what service they would require when ringing 999 in an emergency. Theo gave an incredible performance as a boy at home who had rung the Fire Service for help when finding his kitchen on fire. He could even remember his whole address (and post code!) so the Fire Service would have been able to attend the scene quickly. All boys were given a special postcard from Carly to take home, colour in and write their address on to try and help them remember their home address in case of an emergency. Perhaps the boys can stick it on the fridge at home to try to remember. 

Finally, William M and Mrs Ford went head-to-head in a dress-up race… Mrs Ford’s attempt at the win was sabotaged by two right-handed gloves… William was a worthy winner! 
Mrs Ford

 

Year 1 and Reception trip to Winchester City Mill 

What a wonderful afternoon we had learning about the journey from ears of wheat to become flour. 

The boys walked over the bridge above the roaring flow of the river rushing underneath the City Mill building. 'Wow, it’s loud!' said Arthur O-B as he reached the bottom of the steps and saw the foaming water. The boys watched in wonder as the waterwheel turned and the huge cogs and machinery moved to drive the Mill stones.

 

I would like to set a challenge and award a 'step-up' to the first boy who remembers which animal was kept here, in the garden. Come and see me on Monday morning!
Mrs Kent

 

 

The combined Year R and Year 1 trip to the Winchester City Mill was a great success last Friday. The boys were wowed by the experiences they enjoyed from grinding wheat to create their own flour to watching the huge water wheel turning and pushing the water round. Some great questions included "How do you get the wheat to the top of the shoot?"  "How old is the Mill and water wheel?"  "What do you do with the flour?"  "How often to the otters come?"  Ask the boys for the answers!  

The Mill is such a great place to visit.  It really made the boys think about Harvest and the journey our food goes through to finally end up on our plates.  The volunteers who spoke to us were amazing and it was an absolute pleasure to take the boys on their first trip.  They were impeccably behaved, respectful, full of interest and enthusiasm and a joy to accompany.  Well done, boys; you made us all proud.
 Mrs Huntley

 

Forest School 

Hooray for the Conker season!

 

 

This week we continued with our conker theme in Forest School. Year R were learning to drill holes in conkers using a conker clamp and had a go at creating some wonderful conker animals. Some boys planted a conker in a pot, so we could watch how it grows over the coming months. When the conkers are established, the boys will take them home to plant in their garden. 

Year 1 started their session by creating a group story using my story telling discs. The imagination really flowed. We then focused on a couple of skills: tying a stopper knot, so the boys could learn how to thread onto a piece of string, and drilling. The boys loved creating their own woodland medal.

Year 2’s session linked to the Science curriculum this week. The boys spent time identifying what materials were used around the school and then thought about the materials' properties and why it was suitable in that situation. Some boys also had an opportunity to explore what they could make with conkers!
Mrs Walker