Head’s Award Hall of Fame
This term, we have had wonderful nominations for the Head’s Award at the Prep, and so, in addition to sharing with you this week’s award recipients, it is worth casting our eye over the qualities these children have been inspiring us with.
Enya D in Year 5 received a Head of Prep Award this week in recognition of her fantastic extended learning at home, which focused on coding. As we know, the World Economic Forum’s annual report on skills needed for future professions features digital skills heavily in the top 10.
Demonstrating exceptional initiative, Enya independently created several captivating stories using Scratch coding. The quality of her work is particularly noteworthy, as she successfully used her code to brilliantly illustrate the interdependence between organisms within various biomes. Excellent drive and determination, Enya.
Ronnie W in Year 2 is receiving his Head of Prep award for demonstrating his great interest in electrical engineering. As part of his PYP Inquiry this term, which focuses on inventions that impact people’s lives, the Year 2 pupils were asked to research an invention or inventor of their choice. Ronnie decided to research and give a presentation on the invention of the integrated circuit. He created an eye-catching display, which included practical equipment to give his audience hands-on experience of how an integrated circuit works.
In his speech, Ronnie demonstrated his detailed knowledge of electrical circuits and how they work in everyday items around our homes. We certainly think that Ronnie could be a great inventor of the future!
Iris in Year 5 has received a Head of Prep award, for something a little more festive – perfect for this time of year. In her Design & Technology lesson, Iris made her very own sled.
Her independence, creative thinking, and excellent design work were great. She selected her materials confidently and used her knowledge of joining techniques to build a stable, functional sledge. The attention to detail and determination to meet all the design criteria, including reduced friction, usability, and aesthetics, were outstanding. Well done, Iris.
As we look back at the awards this term, it is clear that Brentwood pupils are ambitious in their learning, that intellectual curiosity abounds and that they are keenly self-motivated.
Tiwatoni was the first recipient of this academic year after he created his very own website on the topic of astronomy. His high standards meant that he decided to redo the website on a different platform after his first attempt, showing us all the power of reworking original ideas.
Sticking with intellectual pursuits, Kira and Alisha in Year 4 received their awards for their English skills in persuasive writing, weaving together humour, narrative and powerful statements. We can see exciting future careers for all these children.
We also had awards based on character and perseverance to overcome challenges. Leo in Year 5 was nominated because he pushed himself to beat his fear of swimming, and his resilience and determination to keep getting better and better, so much so that he can take on the whole length of the pool all by himself.
Teddy in Year 3 was spotlighted because of his caring nature and capacity for always helping others. Our community thrives because we value kindness, and Teddy is a shining example of living by this belief every day.
You may also recall that Kira in Year 4 and Serafina in Year 5, independently of each other, chose to donate their hair to the Little Princess Trust, which they have now both done and are making a difference to the lives of others. We are immensely proud of their selfless acts.
We are so lucky to have such sparky and courageous children at the Prep, and there are so many examples in all classes of children going the extra mile. They are certainly our inspiration as staff, and I hope they can be for you also.
Our chosen charity this Christmas is Sense. Sense is a UK charity supporting people with deafblindness or complex disabilities. They help individuals communicate, connect, and live full lives through services like specialist education, supported living, short breaks, family support, and advocacy.
We introduced British Sign Language to the Prep curriculum in September 2022 with an after-school club for our youngest pupils. From there, it has grown and grown with every child from Foundation to Year 6 now having had the opportunity to learn the basics signing skills. It was introduced to the Enrichment programme in September 2023 where pupils learned about deaf awareness, probably the most important part of our teaching. We often do signed musical performances, and in January 2026 we are taking a group of Prep pupils to link with our VSA Senior School students as part of a signed and interpreted lesson.
If you’d like to donate to this amazing charity, please click here for our JustGiving page.
It is our Friends of Brentwood School Christmas Fayre tomorrow, which marks the nearing of the end of term and a week of final festivities. Year 3 Nativity next week, and as I am writing, the Carol Service this afternoon is almost ready to begin. More on that next week.
Have a lovely weekend,
Alice Goodfellow
