Year 3 & 4 — Investigating the Loch Ness Legend
Year 3 and 4 have been diving into mystery and folklore by researching the myth of the Loch Ness Monster. They looked at historical accounts, newspaper reports and photographic “evidence” to consider how myths develop and why some stories capture the public imagination for generations. A fantastic mix of critical thinking, curiosity and storytelling.

Year 2 Computing — Digital Art with Rangoli Patterns

In Computing, Year 2 pupils learned how to download Rangoli patterns and import them into Sumopaint. Once imported, they explored digital tools to add vibrant colour and intricate designs. The results were stunning — a creative blend of technology and cultural art.

This week in English, pupils have been sharpening their analytical thinking and exploring the craft behind great writing.

Year 8 — Reading Between the Lines

Year 8 have been “detectives” of language, investigating how authors create implicit meaning through carefully chosen words and techniques. They have begun to challenge themselves to think and write analytically, identifying literary methods and explaining how they shape a reader’s understanding.

Year 9 — Gothic Narratives and Suspense

Year 9 have been dissecting gothic short stories, exploring how narrative structure is used to build tension and suspense. Through close reading and discussion, they have developed a deeper awareness of how writers control mood, pace and anticipation to keep readers engaged.

A thoughtful and intellectually rich week in English — pupils are learning not just to read stories, but to understand how they are built.

In ICT, Year 8 have been completing their independent projects using vector graphics. Drawing on techniques they have learned over the past few weeks, pupils created digital art made entirely from geometric shapes and lines.

The outcomes have been incredibly impressive — many pieces showed not only a strong command of vector tools, but also real artistic flair. A brilliant blend of technical skill and creativity from our Year 8 learners.

Last week in Maths, Year 5 and 6 have been focusing on written methods for addition and subtraction. To extend their learning, pupils used place value counters to model each step and then explained their methods aloud, strengthening both reasoning and mathematical communication.

By talking through the process, pupils were encouraged to use accurate mathematical vocabulary and to give clear, well-structured instructions — a key skill when justifying strategies or checking for errors. A thoughtful and articulate approach to problem-solving is developing well in both classes.

It has been a busy and hands-on week in the Science Department, with pupils across the Senior School building practical skills and deepening their understanding of key scientific concepts.

Year 10 – Field Biology in Action

Year 10 worked outside in the school garden to explore ecological sampling techniques using quadrats. They applied the method used by field biologists to estimate population sizes, and discussed how reliable sampling informs conservation and land-management decisions.

Year 8 – Chemical Reactions and Equations

Year 8 investigated balanced symbol equations by looking at reactions between metals and oxygen and the combustion of fuels such as methane. Using Molymod kits to model atoms and molecules, they visualised how atoms rearrange during reactions — an important step toward mastering accurate chemical notation.

Year 7 – Microscopy and Cell Structure

In the laboratory, Year 7 prepared their own microscope slides using plant specimens, learning the careful steps needed for clear observation. They then viewed their slides to identify visible cell structures, reinforcing their understanding of how microscopes reveal the building blocks of life.

Our Eco Team have launched their new Eco Board, showcasing:

The school Eco Code
A calendar of Monthly Environmental Days
A litter-pick and leaf-pick rota to help keep our grounds clean and tidy
Pupil-led suggestions for everyday sustainable habits
Alongside this, the Gardening Club have been doing their part for the environment by working eco-consciously, tending the beds responsibly and carrying out a regular litter pick around the school grounds. Their efforts not only keep our outdoor spaces looking beautiful, but also set a brilliant example of environmental stewardship.

Small actions, consistently taken, are already making a big difference — sustainability in action, led by our pupils.

Year 5 and 6 have begun their new Geography unit with a focus on maps and how to read them with confidence. Pupils have been exploring a range of maps from around the world, looking closely at countries such as Vietnam, Nepal and Italy, and discussing what maps can tell us about climate, population, land use and landscape.

Using atlases, they have also started to learn how to interpret a map key, identifying common symbols and what they represent in real places. This early work is laying the foundations for more advanced map skills later in the topic — a strong start to the term’s geographical journey.