Friday Headlines
the weekly newsletter from EHS
Nursery to Year Six Highlights
14 February 2025
As we approach the half term break, Pre-Prep and Prep girls have enjoyed a week full of creativity, stories and problem-solving. The teachers have shared some of the exciting activities that took place this week. Browse the gallery below for pictures!
Toy Soldiers
Our Nursery girls have been exploring the classic rhyme The Grand Old Duke of York. The children brought in items from home to share and discuss - with toy soldiers proving to be a particular favourite! As part of the girls’ creative activities, they collaged their own Duke’s hats and proudly wore them whilst marching and singing the rhyme. They also played instruments, keeping in time with the beat. To deepen their understanding of key concepts, they used balance scales to explore 'up’ and ‘down’, as well as ‘light’ and ‘heavy’. During their PE session, the girls practised rolling balls to their partners, developing their coordination and teamwork skills.
Patchwork Elephants
Kindergarten have loved sharing the story ‘Elmer’ by David McKee and have spent time thinking about being unique. Elmer, the patchwork elephant stands out from the other grey elephants and feels different. In the end, he realises that his uniqueness is what makes him special and loved. Kindergarten girls spent time thinking about things that make them unique; someone had heart shoes, another liked drawing, whilst someone else has special food to eat. They celebrated their individuality and learned that being different is something to be proud of!
Dingle Dangle Scarecrows!
Reception girls have been exploring the theme of scarecrows, through a variety of engaging and creative activities. They have learnt about the purpose of scarecrows and made their own 3D scarecrow models which were constructed using straw, paint, sticks and patches for the jackets.
In Creative Writing, pupils gave their scarecrows names and used their phonics knowledge to describe them. Some of the more unusual sentences were, “He is honest” and “He is cheeky because he runs away from the field!” To bring this subject to life, girls sang ‘The Dingle Dangle Scarecrow’ to reinforce their understanding in a fun way. What superstar writers you are becoming Reception!
Reception transition to Year One
Year One really enjoyed inviting the Reception girls over to their classrooms this week, as part of our transition events. Firstly, our Year One girls read books to the Reception girls that they had brought in from home. Then to get to know some of the girls further, by going outside to the Prep playground and playing with the equipment together. Some lovely new friendships were formed, in preparation for the girls move into Year One in September. Lots of smiley faces confirmed that a lovely morning had been had by all!
Our United Kingdom
This term in Geography, Year Two have been learning about the four countries of the United Kingdom. They were lucky enough to have a special presentation from Mrs. Boocock, who shared insights about her home country, Northern Ireland. The girls listened intently and asked fantastic questions, showing great enthusiasm for the topic. They learned interesting facts such as the Titanic being built in Belfast, the legend of Finn McCool and the impressive Giant’s Causeway. Back in classroom, the girls enjoyed watching a clip of Irish dancing and were excited to try it out themselves! They also created their own fact files about Northern Ireland, incorporating some of the facts they had learned.
French Café Conversations
The Year Three girls have prepared and filmed their French café conversations using a green screen, with French café music providing an atmospheric backdrop. Transported to a Parisian café, they took on the roles of either a customer or a waitress. The girls ordered food and drinks from the menu and requested the bill—all in French. This week, they had the opportunity to view their performances, complete with the background.
Budding Wimbledon Stars!
The whole of Year Four had the opportunity to take part in a Tennis taster hour with Priory Tennis club. The girls were very excited, and they came to school dressed ready for action. The coach used teamwork and knowledge of body parts, to warm up really quickly! Then it was concentration, control and competition time, with lots of ball and racket skills. All the girls showed courage, perseverance and inclusivity when working on new skills and teamwork. Well done, Year Four!
Budding Film Makers!
Year Five have been busily filming a ‘How to ......’ video. After lengthy planning, drawing a storyboard and experimenting with camera shots, they were each ready to present. Each girl selected something that they could confidently demonstrate, and the results are super. This week the final edit will take place, adding music and an introductory slide. The module of media and video production will be complete! Do look out for future television presenters or experts behind the lens, as we have many girls who could easily have a role within the media.
Accounting Accuracy
In Year Six, the girls have used all four operations with decimals, as well as percentages, to solve real-world problems. Through engaging games and team activities, pupils tackled challenges that required them to apply their knowledge in practical ways. From working out discounts in shopping scenarios to solving multi-step problems in a race against time, the girls developed their confidence and accuracy. These interactive tasks made learning fun, whilst reinforcing key skills. Problem-solving in a team also helped pupils build communication and resilience, showing them how mathematics is an essential tool for everyday life.
EHS and West House French Exchange
There has been a wave of excitement in Prep over the last few weeks. Year Six girls received a response in French to letters they also wrote in French, before Christmas, to the boys in our partner school, West House School. The girls were tasked with writing to a pen pal introducing themselves and providing information such as their age, favourite colour and a description of themselves. West House School were swift to respond and the girls have enjoyed reading about their new pen pal in French, complete with their favourite book.
In the next half term, Year Six will prepare their response in French. They are also looking forward to the opportunity to meet and speak to their pen pal through a visit to
West House School in the summer term. Fantastique!
Nursery to Year Six Highlights
Click image for full view
