Santa Claus Is Coming To Town…
Festive Frolics for Our Nursery Stars
Our Nursery children had a wonderful time at their Christmas party! The fun kicked off with a rousing game of musical statues, where our little ones showed off their best dance moves in their sparkly Christmas jumpers. The party reached its peak when Father Christmas, arrived with his cheeky elf. The children’s faces lit up with excitement as they told Father Christmas their Christmas wishes.
Sam Forster, Head of Early Years
Santa’s Surprise Visit to Reception
Our Reception children were thrilled to have a special visitor this week. The children were eager to meet Santa and had a list of questions prepared to test his authenticity. Santa, ever patient and wise, answered each question with a twinkle in his eye, convincing even the most inquisitive of our little ones. Impressed by their excellent behavior, Santa rewarded the children with a small gift, with strict instructions not to open it until they got home. The children displayed excellent self control to not immediately rip the wrapping paper off!
Rosie Snagge, Reception Class Teacher
Festive Forest School For Year 1
Year 1 so enjoyed their final forest school session of the term. Wrapped up warm in their Christmas jumpers, the children were eager to explore the winter wonderland. To warm up after their outdoor adventures, the children enjoyed a delicious treat: homemade pancakes cooked over a campfire. A perfect way to end a fantastic term and get into the festive spirit.
Kathleen Salusbury, Year 1 Class Teacher
Year 2 In Christmas Crisis
Year 2 took to the stage this week for their annual Christmas performance, “A Midwife Crisis.” This hilarious and heartwarming musical reimagined the classic Nativity story with a comedic twist. The story centres around a very busy midwife who, despite her hectic schedule, is determined to attend the birth of the King of Kings. A flustered midwife and her long-suffering donkey navigate their way to Bethlehem. The opening number, “What a Commotion!” perfectly captured the energy of the performance. The children performed with incredible confidence, pride and Christmas cheer, bringing smiles to the faces of the audience. A special highlight was the heartfelt acknowledgment of our NHS midwives, emphasising their crucial role in bringing new life into the world and supporting families. Their dedication and care were celebrated, reminding everyone of the invaluable service they provide, especially during the holiday season.
Charlie Millsom, Year 2 Class Teacher
Year 3 Shine At Talent Show
Our Year 3 pupils truly dazzled at this year’s Pre-Prep’s Got Talent show! As the oldest year taking part, they stepped up to the challenge with confidence and flair. From soulful renditions of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to impressive ukulele skills, magic tricks and hilarious comedy routines, our Year 3 stars showcased a wide range of talents providing many ‘golden buzzer-worthy’ moments. Performing in front of an audience takes courage and our Year 3 pupils should be incredibly proud of their achievements and for being such fantastic Pre-Prep ambassadors.
Henrietta Platt, Year 3 Class Teacher
A Bright Christingle Service For Year 4
Year 4 and Year 3 came together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas at our annual Christingle service. The chapel was filled with the joyous sounds of traditional carols, including “Once in Royal David’s City,” “Away in a Manger,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” The children also performed the beautiful hymns “Holy Child” and “Angel Carol.” Each Year 4 class prepared a festive poem, which they recited with confidence and humor. 4LD brought the magic of Christmas Eve to life with “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” while 4EI counted down the days with a playful rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” 4OM added a touch of mischief with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” This year’s Christingle service was extra special, as it was accompanied by our talented school orchestra. The beautiful music added a new dimension to the experience, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Rosie Statham, Head of Lower Prep
Year 5 Delight in Magical Carol Service
Year 5 joined forces with Year 6 to create a truly magical Carol Service in the Chapel. The service began with the timeless classic “Once in Royal David’s City” and concluded with the beloved hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful”. The highlight of the morning was undoubtedly Year 5’s captivating performance of “Colours of Christmas”. Their voices filled the chapel, enchanting the congregation of staff, parents, grandparents, and siblings. The performance was made even more special by the accompaniment of our exceptional Chamber Orchestra, elevating the music to new heights.
Jessica Harman, Deputy Director of Music
Year 6 Dazzle in Festive Fashion Show
On Wednesday, our Year 6 pupils embraced the festive spirit with their dazzling Christmas jumpers! From minecraft and reindeer to Santas and penguins, the creativity and festive cheer were truly inspiring. We even had a surprise appearance from a Christmas turkey!
Ed Elgood, Year 6 Form Tutor
A Festive Feast Fit for Year 7
Year 7 savoured a sumptuous Christmas lunch on Wednesday, courtesy of our extraordinary catering team. Marco and his talented crew cooked up a storm, preparing a phenomenal feast featuring 75kg of turkey breast, 800 pigs in blankets, 5kg of homemade stuffing, 30kg of carrots, 30kg of petit pois, 20kg of roasted parsnips, 20kg of button brussel sprouts, 90 litres of gravy and a massive 100kg of roast potatoes. But no partridge in a pear tree! The children delighted as they pulled crackers and shared a few giggles over the cheesy Christmas jokes found within.
James Figgis, Head of Upper Prep
Year 8 And The Nine Lessons
The festive season at Highfield and Brookham culminated in a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Joined by their Year 7 counterparts, Year 8 delivered a captivating performance alongside the Chapel Choir. The service was further enhanced by the exceptional musical contributions of renowned organist and composer Clive Osgood. Acclaimed conductors Thomas Lydon and Robert Lewis also joined the Chapel Choir. Five of the nine lessons were read with confidence and poise by Year 8 children, showcasing their maturity as the oldest pupils in the school. The entire service was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the children, staff and the talented musicians involved.
John Mühlemann, Director of Music