Windrush Valley Prep School for Year 6 Pupils Summer Term Roundup

The summer term at Windrush Valley Prep School has been action-packed, filled with a variety of exciting activities and accomplishments for our pupils. From sporting events to creative projects, it has truly been a term to remember.

 

Swimming Gala and Sports Day

We kicked off the term with our annual Swimming Gala, where the children had the opportunity to showcase their swimming skills in a series of friendly but competitive races. It was a fantastic event, and it was wonderful to see pupils supporting each other and pushing themselves to achieve their best.

Following the Swimming Gala, we moved straight into our newly formatted Sports Day. This year, we introduced some changes to the way the events were structured, and the day was a huge success. The children competed in a range of races and activities, displaying both athletic skill and team spirit. It was a day filled with fun, determination, and plenty of smiles as each student worked hard to earn points for their house.

Bikeability and Pirate Day for Charity

This term also saw the introduction of bicycle proficiency training with Bikeability, a programme designed to teach children essential road safety skills while cycling. Over two days, the children learned how to navigate safely on their bikes, gaining confidence and improving their awareness of road rules and signals. It was a valuable experience that will no doubt benefit the pupils in the future as they become more independent cyclists.

Another highlight of the term was the Chiltern House Charity Day. This year, the house organised a fun-filled Pirate Day to raise money for the RNLI, an organisation that does incredible work saving lives at sea. The pupils came dressed as pirates and enjoyed a day of pirate-themed activities. The event was a great success and raised a substantial amount of money for a very worthy cause.

 

Politics, Maths, and Environmental Issues

In class, Year 6 pupils engaged in discussions surrounding the General Election. We watched highlights of political debates, examined party manifestos, and explored the political spectrum. Our discussions on left-wing and right-wing ideologies tied in perfectly with our work on the Cold War, where we delved into the differences between Socialist and Capitalist systems.

In maths, we extended our learning into Key Stage 3 topics, exploring algebra and square roots. The pupils also enjoyed solving magic squares and sudoku puzzles—some early practice, perhaps, for a distant retirement!

In geography, the focus was on food miles and the environmental impact of food production and distribution. The children were encouraged to think critically about where their food comes from and the importance of sustainable practices in global food systems.

Art and Farewell Celebrations

Curriculum Enrichment Week provided the perfect opportunity for the pupils to immerse themselves in a creative project. This year, we studied the work of Bisa Butler, an African-American artist renowned for her stunning, brightly coloured quilts. The children produced acrylic portraits in her distinctive style, and the results were truly impressive. Each portrait was a testament to the pupils‘ artistic growth and their ability to capture Butler’s vibrant aesthetic.

As the term came to a close, Year 6 enjoyed preparing for their leavers’ assembly. It was a bittersweet moment as the pupils reflected on their time at Windrush Valley Prep School, but they also looked forward to the next exciting chapter in their academic journey. To celebrate, we had a fantastic leavers’ party at Chipping Norton Lido, followed by a special lunch and our annual prize-giving ceremony.

Onward to the next step

It has been a busy and rewarding term, and we are incredibly proud of all that Year 6 has achieved. They have worked hard, grown in confidence, and demonstrated their readiness for secondary school. We wish them all the best as they move onwards to their new schools!