Oh no! Not Another School Dress-Up Day! The Importance of World Book Day.
I was there again yesterday morning – the frantic last-minute search for a costume, trying to put together something from the depths of the wardrobe, and praying that the creativity fairy will visit at just the right moment. Yes, it’s that time again – school dress-up day. Whether it’s for Halloween, a special theme, or – in this case – World Book Day, it is a familiar feeling for staff, parents and children.
But despite the initial groans, there is much more to these dress-up days than meets the eye, and World Book Day in particular holds a special place in our hearts. It’s not just about putting on a costume; it’s about sparking creativity, nurturing a love of reading, and allowing children to step into new worlds, even if just for a day.
And at the end of that day, the costumes might be the most visible part of World Book Day, but they are just the start of a much bigger journey. Dressing up as a character from a book is a physical manifestation of the imagination. It is an opportunity for children to explore the depths of their creativity, delve deeper into characters, and connect with stories that spark joy and inspire wonder. It is an invitation to read more, dream bigger and, perhaps most importantly, understand the power that stories hold in shaping who we are and how we see the world.
Embrace the costumes, celebrate the stories and, most of all, enjoy the child-centred adventure. At Vinehall, we do this really rather well.
Joff
Pre-Prep – World Book Day
Nicky Whittaker - Head of Pre-Prep
Vinehall Pre-Prep celebrated World Book Day in style on Thursday. The day started with a photo call, which was followed by a fashion show and celebration of all the amazing costumes. The music of David Bowie's song "Fashionista" played while the children (and adults!) strutted down the catwalk. The Hungry Caterpillar (comprising Sarah Wolford, Rory Heffernan and Amanda Greenhalgh) was a particular favourite, whilst Cathy Fuggle made a very convincing Wolf!
Then Year 7 arrived for shared reading with our youngest pupils. The Kindergarten and Nursery children loved being read to by the literary characters who had come across from Prep; special mention here must go to Timmy, who made a very convincing Willy Wonker, and who was flanked by two Oompa Loompers!
Forest School had a literary theme, and Year 2 had a wonderful morning making “Stick Men”. Meanwhile, Reception and Year 1 enjoyed a wonderful animal themed workshop in the Theatre with a rather tubby bear - thank you, Mary Alderson!
Finally, all the children enjoyed their book swap. Thank you for supporting the children with this, and to those children who brought extra books in case someone had forgotten one; you truly embody our values of kindness and collaboration.
Nursery - World Book Day
Sarah Wolford - Head of Nursery & Kindergarten
Every year we look forward to this day to celebrate our love and enjoyment of books and reading. We share books every day with our Nursery children and this sparks enthusiasm and a sense of curiosity, as well as promoting language and communication skills.
Our Year 7 pupils came to visit to share story time with the children and they all remained interested and engaged and the sound of story-telling filled the classroom.
What a wonderful a world Book Day!
Kindergarten
Catherine Garlick - Kindergarten Teacher
Wow, what another amazing week in Kindergarten!
We started the week by enjoying our first balance bike session with Pia Tucker. Then we celebrated Shrove Tuesday by taking part in pancake races and we made our own delicious pancakes.
The fun continued when we celebrated World Book Day and came to school dressed as our favourite book characters. All the children looked amazing! Kindergarten did a fashion walk to show off their fabulous costumes; we then enjoyed sharing our favourite stories and the Year 7s came to read with us.
The week ended with a wonderful morning enjoying Forest School. The children from Marlborough House came to visit and we had a great time showing them the beautiful woodland area, making new friends and playing together.
Reception
Holly Newton - Reception Teacher
We loved dressing up as characters from our favourite stories to celebrate World Book Day. It was so exciting seeing our favourite characters bought to life and learning about new characters with whom we were not familiar. We discussed how books can transport us to different worlds, spark our imagination and even teach us something new.
We were very lucky to take part in a wonderful drama workshop in our school theatre, alongside Year 1, with Mary Alderson, our Director of Drama. We explored the story ‘Well Done Little Bear’ by Martin Waddell and re-enacted scenes from the story, incorporating some dialogue from the book. Mary set the scene for us and helped us to explore the storyline physically. It was great fun to work on the stage and to perform to an audience.
We were also lucky enough to share some French books with Madame Clayton, our Head of Modern Languages. Some of the books had flaps, some made noises, some gave us facts about France and some were really funny and made us laugh! We love looking at new books and it was a real treat for us to have someone different sharing stories with us.
This term we are exploring books by Julia Donaldson in greater detail. We are so proud of our Gruffalo drawings, having thought about the relative position of each feature and the size it needed to be. We also cut out two dimensional shapes to make the witch from 'Room on the Broom' and described the shapes we were using, with words such as ‘side’, ‘corner’, ‘straight’, ‘curved’ and ‘face’. What a busy week!
Year 1
Jacklyn Garwood - Year 1 Teacher
Spring is finally in the air and Year 1 took advantage of being outdoors this week.
Zac Atwood taught the children some fantastic hockey skills and all were keen to practise on the Astro! Well done for being like Maisie Monkey in trying a new sport for the first time!
Pancake races brought much excitement and energy as the children wore hats flipping pancakes and running their fastest and working like Billy Bee as part of a team.
Spotting signs of spring and having time with friends in the sun was just what the children needed to awaken themselves from the dark, cold winter. We are all looking forward to the season turning and more exciting memories to be made! Super work this week Year 1!
Year 2
Louise Hawtin - Year 2 Teacher
There was great excitement on Tuesday when the children participated in the annual pancake races in the Sports Hall. The children donned hats, ran quickly and tossed their pancakes with great gusto.
In Maths the children have been learning to measure in centimetres and metres. They had to use rulers to measure smaller items in the classroom, as well as work together like Billy Bee to use metre sticks to measure the length of the hall, ensuring they were accurate and precise. This was initially more challenging than they expected but they all did a great job in the end.
Year 4 - Phil McCavity visits 4B
Louise Barrett - Year 4 Teacher & Head of Juniors
A visitor came to start off Year 4's science topic! Luckily a real dentist will be coming soon.
After Mr Macavity's visit, the children ate apples and decided which teeth did what jobs. They then counted their teeth and started to make models using clay.
Year 8 – Forest School
Ally Linney - Deputy Head (Pastoral)
8L had a wonderful time in the woods last Thursday with our lovely leaders, Amy and Laura.
From a woodland version of "The Floor is Lava!" to more Nordic Weaving and the famous mud kitchen, the Year 8 pupils had a fantastic time being creative and celebrating their inner child.
We went back up to school full of smiles and gratitude.
Celebrating Successes in 3E and Year 8
Ally Linney - Deputy Head (Pastoral)
Last Friday, to congratulate our Year 8s on wrapping up their Mock Exams, we scheduled another trip to our beloved Gully. This time, we were delighted to have 3E along with us as they won the Food Bank Friday Challenge (narrowly beating 6PW who gave them a run for their charitable money!).
We met on the playground, made acquaintances and buddied up!
It was delightful to see the children walking hand in hand, enjoying piggyback rides, climbing trees and genuinely having a lovely time together. Ally overheard some sweet conversations such as, "Oh, Hockey is my favourite sport, too!" along with "What House are you in?"
While relaxing and enjoying their "treat" our Year 8s truly shone as leaders of our school.
After a romp in the Gully, playing, jumping and climbing, we made it over to the copse for a group photo and a game of 40-40 Home.
Last Saturday some of the EAL children sat their B1 Cambridge exam in Brighton. As they had worked so hard I thought it was only fair to stop at Zac Attwood's ice cream kiosk for a treat on the way home.
Sport
Matt McKinnon - Director of Sport
What a difference a week makes. Last week we had to cancel fixtures or, if not, play in torrential rain. This week we almost needed to apply some suncream.
The Senior girls travelled to Bede's, where they took on their Year 8 U13 A & B teams. The 2nds played brilliantly in a 2-0 win, with their passing a highlight of the game. The 1sts came up against a number of very good players and, although they had their best outing of the year, struggled to convert any chances.
The Colts A & Bs hosted Bede's on the main field in two competitive matches. The A team went down fighting, with the Bs scoring late to equalise, the match ending 3-3. A great effort from both teams against strong opposition.
The senior boys travelled to Eastbourne for their hockey fixtures against a strong St Andrew's group. The 1st struggled to get out of their half, ultimately conceding too many goals within the first 15 minutes of the game. The 2nd team's match was a closer affair, with Miss P happy with their performance in a 2-6 loss; and the 3rds tried hard against a strong team.
The Colts ABCs played at home against the same opposition, with Zac Atwood and Louise Barrett pleased with the efforts from all three teams. Special mention must go to all those who had to play twice and especially to the A team, who were drawing the game, only for St Andrew's to score in the very last play of the game, 2-3 the final score.
The Year 3 & 4 girls unfortunately had their football matches against Sacred Heart cancelled, but the boys enjoyed a competitive afternoon of hockey against St Andrew's and Skipper's Hill.
Acro Dance
Stacey Caister
Congratulations to Teddy, Iris, Daisy and Adeline for gaining their Bronze I-Path Achievement Awards in Acro Dance this past term. The girls worked extremely hard on their routines and were praised for their individual abilities, as well as their team skills. The girls will now begin work on their Silver Rosettes. We have space in our classes at the school in Acro, Ballet and Modern Dance, so please do contact Miss Stacey if you would like to book a trial to join us. Stacey@splitzdanceacademy.co.uk
Geography Quiz Winners!
Anna Webb – English Teacher
On Thursday, the keenest Geographers from Years 5 and 6 gathered for an exciting Geography Quiz hosted by Claremont School. The pupils tackled a diverse range of challenging questions that truly put their geographical knowledge to the test. Vinehall emerged victorious after battling tough competition from other local schools!
Congratulations to the members of both Vinehall teams: Sam L, Teddy H, Ben O, Caspar K, Alex W, Guillaume B-L, Arya E, and Coralie F - you were all exceptional! You have certainly put Vinehall on the map!
House News
Saxton visit to Dudwell St Mary's Care Home
Mary Alderson - Head's PA and Director of Drama
Monday's assembly launched Lenten Friends and the wonderful tradition of being kind to your friends in a multitude of ways. Fergus C, Iris L, Henry P, Evie E, Jack B, Lily F and Raphy G were kindness personified in the afternoon when they volunteered to visit Dudwell St Mary's Care Home.
The elderly residents, ranging from 70-103, thoroughly enjoyed sharing memories of WWII, and especially VE Day, and interesting details of their long lives. I was so proud of all the children, really doing their best for the benefit of others and bringing joy to these charming senior citizens.
Each form group in the Prep school has used £10 to invest in starting a fundraising stall. There was a wonderful variety of different stalls, with food and drinks for sale, games to play and lots of fun to raise money. The children have worked hard to buy items they need, make signs and run their stalls.
We hope it raises plenty of money for Dandelion Time. Follow this link for more details of the Schools Seedling Challenge - Dandelion Time.
Boarding
Katherine Kirkwood – Head of Boarding
Although last weekend was chilly, we were able to get out and about. On Saturday afternoon we attempted to do the Battle treasure hunt. Constanza bravely led the way right up to the point when we decided it was cold and most of the children were bored. We decided to see if we could find a coffee shop for hot chocolate and scones with jam and cream. It was very decadent, and the scones were huge and it gave us a chance to warm up in the cosy shop.
On Sunday some of the boarders went to play football on the astro, while others foraged in the grounds to add to bought flowers and made lovely spring arrangements.
Sunday afternoon was a little more challenging . The children were divided up into groups and given ingredients to make a meal. Some very creative and tasty meals were delivered. Prizes were awarded for taste, best presented and creativity. It was a fun but chaotic afternoon.
Mummy’s Netball Club
Louise Barrett
A group of us with connections to Marlborough House, Vinehall and beyond play netball in Marlborough House’s Sports Hall on a Wednesday night between 8.00-9.00pm. We play a match against each other and have a natter! Nothing too serious (we don’t belong to a league) and we play outside when it is light enough.
We are desperate for some more players, so if you fancy a run around, please get in contact: Lbarrett@vinehallschool.com
COMING SOON ...
Marlborough House Vinehall - Talk for Vinehall Parents - 19th March 2025
This is an opportunity to learn about details of the new school logo, uniform, planned capital investment developments, tweaks to daily timings and, very importantly, the mission and vision for Marlborough House Vinehall. Please follow this link to sign up for the talk on 19th March at 7.00pm – with drinks from 6.45pm.
Marlborough House Vinehall - Family Fun Day - 22nd March
Vinehall International Classical Concert Series
5th Concert. WIGMORE SOLOISTS Sunday 16th March 2025 at 3.00 p.m.
Ben Gilmore (violin), Annabelle Meare (violin), Rachel Roberts (viola), Christopher Murray (cello), Michael Collins (clarinet) and Alberto Menéndez Escribano (horn) make up the ensemble known as the Wigmore Soloists. They are the only group given the title by London’s foremost chamber music venue, Wigmore Hall. Michael Collins is well-known to Vinehall audiences as he has played here on several occasions and it is always a joy to experience his mellifluous clarinet tone and innate musicality.
On this occasion we will hear Sinigaglia’s Romanze for Horn and Strings, Op 3. It is a short and attractive late romantic work by Leone Sinigaglia (1868 – 1944) who spent much of his life in Turin. Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet in A Major K.581 is one of the most popular of all Mozart’s compositions and, unlike one particular radio station, we ration hearing it at Vinehall, so that when we do, we can fully appreciate this work of genius. After the interval we will hear Mozart’s Horn Quintet in E flat K.407, another gem. To end the concert, we will hear Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Clarinet Quintet in F Sharp Minor Op. 10. It was composed as a response to a comment from his composition professor, Charles Villiers Stanford, who said that no one would be able to compose a clarinet quintet without being influenced by Brahms, who had just written his masterpiece. Coleridge-Taylor proved him wrong.
For details and information please email: geoffreywhitehead@vinehallschool.com