A Week of Talent, Inclusion, and Wellbeing
We started this week with an absolutely fantastic Musical Showcase. Pupils from Year 3 to Year 6 performed on a range of instruments. Elliot in Year 6 opened the concert with a cello solo followed by Esme in Year 5 and Ryo in Year 3. We then moved through the string section with performances on the violin by Ishita and Mayomikun in Year 3, Lola and Vinushi in Year 5, and an out of this world performance by Vikram in Year 6 where he showed mastery in ‘double stopping’.
To be achieving this standard at age 11 is astounding. We were treated to excellent performances on the viola by Prince in Year 3, and Sofia, Emma and Inaaya in Year 4. The viola is played on the alto clef which adds extra challenge for pupils learning the viola and another instrument that will likely be played on the treble and bass clefs. But we weren’t done there with our string instruments with Kike in Year 4 on the double bass.
We were also treated to three guitar performances with Arthur in Year 3 and Ronav in Year 4 on the acoustic guitar and Rajveer in Year 6 on an electric guitar. We were wowed by the brass instruments with Albert in Year 5 doing an impressive French horn performance (to have a French horn performance in a Prep school is worth celebrating in itself) and Louis, Year 6 on the saxophone. Michelle, Akintomiwa and Amaira, all in Year 4 gave tuneful and expressive performances from the wind instruments – clarinets and oboe. Seb in Year 6 gave us a sneak peek into his piano grade preparations by performing Sneaky Business by Martha Mier. The showcase culminated with two showstopper performances by Edward and Alessia in Year 3 demonstrating their vocal range, as well as their theatrical skills, with songs from Peter Pan and Annie.
To be performing to a large audience at this age is very special as it requires the ability to quieten the mind, to breath deeply whilst nervous and to allow your fingers and mind to remember how to deliver the piece of music with feeling.
This week we have also been celebrating Neurodiversity Week, a global initiative dedicated to promoting the acceptance, equality, and inclusion of neurodivergent individuals in educational settings and workplaces. This event provides a platform to help recognise and celebrate the unique strengths and talents of those who think differently.
Our KS2 pupils highlighted the importance of inclusion and empathy in an activity showing that performance does not always reflect ability or effort. Pupils split into groups to complete a simple task. Initially, they believed the activity was fair. However, before starting, some of the groups were given a limitation, such as using only one hand or working with their eyes closed, while the others faced no restrictions. Through this experience, pupils were encouraged to reflect on how challenges and barriers affect performance. They explored key questions about equality, privilege, and the importance of understanding others’ realities. The activity reinforced the idea that everyone faces difficulties, and we should be supportive rather than judgemental. It also challenges us to think about the way we have designed our world. Most things are imagined being used or experienced by the mystical “average” person.
Seeing the pupils try to work it all out was a powerful lesson: not everyone starts from the same place, and kindness goes a long way.
We also introduced our Wellbeing Ambassadors to our pupils, with a timetable of activities that they had planned to help us feel good, inside and out. To aid in their planning, our Ambassadors researched the Wheel of Wellbeing. The Wheel of Wellbeing is a model designed to help individuals achieve balance across six key areas of life:
- Body: Be active
- Mind: Keep learning
- Spirit: Give
- People: Connect
- Place: Take notice
- Planet: Care for the planet
This framework serves as a starting point for personal and professional development, encouraging holistic wellbeing by addressing physical health, mental stimulation, social connections, mindfulness, and environmental responsibility.
Activities led by our Wellbeing Ambassadors include – Mindful Mondays with a meditative colouring session and Thankful Thursdays where we show gratitude to others which also boosts our own sense of positivity. A big hit was a new initiative introduced by our Wellbeing Ambassadors: Walking Wednesday. A weekly activity designed to encourage pupils to prioritise both their physical and mental wellbeing.
Walking is an excellent way to maintain physical health while also boosting mood and reducing stress. Spending time outdoors, particularly in natural surroundings, has been shown to promote a sense of calm and positivity.
It was inspiring to see so many pupils choosing to take part, using their playtime to walk, chat, and enjoy a moment of fresh air. By incorporating small, mindful activities like Walking Wednesday into the school day, we can help foster lifelong habits that support overall wellbeing.
I was delighted to spend time this week with Adebola in Year 6, who has been awarded a Head of Prep Award for her outstanding perseverance and resilience in swimming. Adebola started as a very reluctant swimmer, suffering from a fear of water. After several years of determination, resilience, and support from staff members (all of whom have been deeply moved by Adebola’s outlook), Adebola completed her first 25 metres of our School swimming pool entirely unaided. Her classmates cheered her on and the teachers were overwhelmed with vicarious pride. Adebola’s achievement is an example of what real success looks like – a truly incredible milestone and a showcase of how far she has come on her swimming journey.
What a great week! Have a wonderful weekend,
Alice Goodfellow
