Science Week here in the Prep School has been an undoubted triumph. As a mathematician, and thus almost a scientist, it has been a real delight to me to see the way the week’s events and activities have captured the imagination and enthusiasm of our children. A deep and abiding interest in the world around them is something I’m keen to see all our pupils develop, and an understanding of scientific method and ideas is going to be crucial for the children as they grow up in an increasingly technological society.It’s been a particular pleasure to welcome a number of senior school scientists into prep school classrooms over the course of the week, with Dr Gate talking on numbers in nature and scuba diving, Mrs Dell introducing Years 3 and 4 to psychology, Mrs Jakubowski speaking on volcanoes to Year 5, Mr Hicks explaining the inner workings of computers, Dr Otter and Mrs Duffy running a biology quiz and Mr Pluck’s chemistry experiments with Year 4 and 5. Being able to draw on expertise like this is a great strength of the close relationship between the prep and senior schools. We were also delighted to welcome one of our governors, Mr Charles, to talk to Year 5 on sound, and sixth formers Alice and Emily to lead electricity experiments.

On Monday early years enjoyed a visit from the Ivydale Science and Technology Workshop. The sessions were led by Paul Newham, who was accompanied by all sorts of spikey, scaley and crawly creatures.

The children in reception enjoyed a design technology workshop, where they learnt how to make and create wind up toys. The theme was creepy crawlies, and great fun was had by all! The children developed their own “scuttlebugs”, through a particularly hands on and practical approach, and they were all very proud of their newly created species! Cardboard, cotton reels, pipe cleaners and elastic bands were all put to good use, as the bugs gradually came to life. The session culminated in a “scuttlebug” race across the classroom, and we were surprised to see how quickly the models moved! The bugs then enjoyed a well earned rest, before being taken home at the end of the day!

After play, the children in nursery and Pre prep, joined in with the activities, as the whole department enjoyed an animal and insect show. The snakes, stick insects, millipedes, lizards, and even spiders were an unusual but very much welcome sight in our classrooms, with nearly all the children volunteering to hold and look after the creepy crawly visitors. We learned all about where they came from, and how to look after them, as well as some of their more disgusting habits! All the children had a wonderful time, and even some of the staff overcame their fears!

Today I went to INTECH with Years 4 and 5. We were put into groups of 7; I was in Mrs Matthew's group. First we went to an activity that had a chair camera and a dark room. When Hannah went and sat on the chair, I went into the dark room: I saw a screen where there was a picture of Hannah upsidedown. We also went to a big machine that blew out air. We put the ball on top so it stayed in the air. Another activity we went to was a grey platform with lots of wooden blocks. Using the blocks we built a bridge. After we had put the pieces together we pulled a leaver which made the platform go down, leaving the bridge standing with no support. After that we went to a big wheely bin, to test how much we recycled: I got a scanner and went into the 'shop', scanning the objects I wanted before going back to the screen - I got full marks!

Year 3 were blessed with near perfect weather for Monday’s visit to the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens at Wisley. Strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens we caught sight of snowdrops, crocuses and early daffodils as we made our way to the splendid new glasshouse where we spent much of the morning. We explored dry and moist temperate zones, looking carefully at the differences and similarities between the plants in these contrasting climates, as well as being overawed by the vibrancy of colour in the tropical zone, particularly from the many orchids on display. The root zone provided opportunities for hands-on interaction with the below the surface life of plants. Our walk back took in the wild woods and the rockery, before we settled down to our picnic lunch.

In rugby there is no such thing as a “friendly”, especially playing a match against Mayville. Our team was based around a couple of players who play for a club. Mayville had a few boys with previous rugby experience. This showed in the result of six tries to one. However, the team did not give up and particular credit goes to the Year 3 members who gave a good account for themselves against bigger lads. James ”Egg” showed determination in attack as did our solo try scorer Jimmie. Harry, Tom and Katya were always in the thick of it . Harry “GG” showed great courage with his brave tackles. William was clearing away scraps of possession. All in all, Alton played with heart and commitment. Tom was Alton’s best player on the day.

This February, girls from the third form went on a three day tour of the First World War Battlefields in Belguim and France. While exploring the Battlefields in the Ypres and Somme region, they had the opportunity to visit the "In Flanders Fields" museum, the reserved trenches at Newfoundland Park and Sanctuary Wood and Tyne Cot cemetery.

Girls compared French, German and British cemeteries and took part in the Last Post Memorial Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres where form captains laid a poppy wreath on behalf of the school.