The Spring Term has been a very eventful term – with house competitions, numerous visitors, local trips, as well as trips further afield to Bath for the netball. We have enjoyed fabulous enrichment activities too, including cooking, powerboating, sustainability project and ski-ing, a visit from Space Detectives, an incredibly informative careers week, theatre trips, and of course our fabulous Sunninghill’s Got Talent. Pupils have continued to excel in areas such as public speaking and writing, showing both courage and creativity, while also supporting one another with genuine encouragement and kindness. Our children are incredibly lucky to have all these opportunities running alongside their academic work and is what makes Sunninghill such a special place.
What has stood out most to me this term is the sense of balance. There has been strong academic focus, certainly, but also a deep commitment to nurturing the whole child. Whether performing, debating, creating or simply playing together, our pupils have embraced all that school life has to offer.
A particularly significant moment this term was our inspection. While such occasions inevitably bring a degree of pressure, what stood out most was how naturally the children and staff simply carried on being themselves. Inspectors saw the school as we know it to be: warm, purposeful and full of engaged learners. I could not have been prouder of the way our pupils spoke, behaved and approached their learning—it was a true reflection of the values we hold dear as a community. We are delighted with the report – please take the time to read this report if you have yet to do so:
I was incredibly proud of the children on Thursday morning during our celebration assembly where pupils were awarded their colours and half colours for sport and music, as well as Endeavour cups for the highest scores in their ATL grades (Attitude to Learning) and the awards for those children who gained the most house points over the term for our 4C’s – Courage, Commitment, Compassion and Creativity. A fantastic number of children were given these colours and awards in recognition of all their efforts. Congratulations to you all.
This afternoon we held our beautiful Easter Service at St. Peter’s Church, led once again by Revd Magee. Our Year 8’s told the Easter Story with a clarity and confidence that surpasses their years. Our choirs sang beautifully and our orchestra played so confidently. It was a very special service, and a lovely way to begin our Easter Holiday break.
On Thursday there was huge excitement as the much anticipated PTFA Easter Egg Hunt took place. Each of the children had to find 3 of the hidden golf tees in return for an Easter Egg – and the hope of finding one of the special striped golf tees for that extra special chocolate egg! Our thanks must go to our wonderful PTFA who arranged (with the Easter Bunny of course) for a fabulous Easter Egg Hunt.
This week we enjoyed our inter-house matches. On Tuesday, the Form 3 and 4 pupils took part in Inter-House Netball. Due to adverse weather conditions the matches were moved from the astro to the hall. The team spirit was absolutely sensational and we had some excellent support from the sidelines! The level of Netball has vastly improved this half term so huge well done to all players, and especially to Ridgeway who won!
Wednesday was the Form 5-8 boys played Inter-House Hockey. After a surprising hail storm the competition commenced. Level was extremely high with excellent combinations and individual skill on display. Excellent saves were made by Seb and Ted whilst Oliver was deadly in front of goal scoring 3 goals! Harry scored a lovely goal on the reverse. Felix Cumming defensive play was rock solid, preventing a high number of goal scoring opportunities. Amazingly, the final score was equal across the houses. Very well done to all players!
On Wednesday we also enjoyed a fantastic end to the Netball season with the girls house matches. Purbeck came out victorious winning all their matches, however all the girls should feel proud of their achievements this season. They played their socks off and impressed both Mrs Telfer and Mrs Wilson with their effort and improved performances. The girls showed both compassion and commitment in their play. Congratulations everyone!
Forms 5 and 8 had a great afternoon on Monday with Jo Richardson from Space Detectives, as part of their space topic. They had a presentation about the solar system and were then able to explore it using virtual reality. It was great watching them interact with the 360 degree view and the feelings of taking off in a space rocket!
In the evening parents and pupils were treated to a wonderful talk from Jo and a chance to look at Jupiter through a telescope with her husband Peter. Whilst some children were looking through the telescope, others were building constellations out of spaghetti and marshmallows! It was fascinating to learn the mind blowing number of galaxies in our solar system and the distances and scale in the universe. Jo made sure that we will all remember the speed of light – 186,000 miles per second! A fascinating evening, and so lovely for the children to learn alongside their parents.
Form 4 had a fantastic end of topic Viking party on Wednesday afternoon. They dressed as Vikings and whilst we feasted, we toasted the Gods, had musical performances, a poetry recital and storytelling. We then played some amazing handmade Viking games of Molkky and Kubb and threw some ‘wellie’ stones and ran a race. All authentic Viking party activities that the children had researched in their own time!
After an incredibly busy term, we now look ahead to the summer term with optimism and excitement, carrying forward the same warmth, energy and sense of purpose that has defined these past months.
Have a wonderful and restful Easter and I look forward to seeing you all in the Summer Term.
David
