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.

The IV Form visited St Lucy's Convent for a retreat. The theme of the day was working conditions; we re-enacted a day's work in a Mexican computer factory. We learnt a lot about how workers are treated and how unfair the hierarchy of status is in the factories. We were also very lucky with the weather and thoroughly enjoyed our day out. The day ended with mass, allowing us to reflect on what we had learnt during the day. Many thanks to all teachers, especially Miss Hobday, who made it a memorable experience.

We had Ian Dunne come to our school for science week. He told us that science is in everything, even in shopping! He blew up a balloon and rubbed it on a cloth, then he got a plastic lifesaver and he could make the balloon go anywhere without his hands. We listened to Ian talking about science. We learned that dinosaur poo turns into rock after it gets fossilized. Luckily it didn't smell!

Millie, 5B