The Importance of Taking Part in Sports Day and the Value of Respectful Competition
Sports Day is more than just a tradition, it is a celebration of participation, effort, and the spirit of friendly competition. It is the most colourful of days, where our children come together to represent themselves and their House teams, to cheer one another on and to grow through both success and challenge.
At its heart, Sports Day is about taking part. Whether you are the fastest runner, a determined long-jumper or simply giving your all in the relay race, every child has a chance to be involved. It is an opportunity to try, to stretch your limits and to feel pride in your contribution. Taking part builds confidence, resilience and teamwork - qualities that matter far beyond the sports field.
Equally important is respectful competition. Competing does not mean stepping over others; it means striving to do your best while encouraging those around you to do the same. It teaches us to win with humility and lose with grace. In fact, many of life’s most valuable lessons come not from winning, but from how we respond when we don’t.
In recent years, some schools have moved away from having winners at Sports Day, fearing that competition can be harmful. But removing winners does not remove comparison or disappointment, and additionally removes the recognition of effort and the joy of achievement. Children are naturally competitive. Instead of hiding this, we should guide it, shape it and use it as a tool for growth. Competition, when framed positively, can be deeply rewarding.
As Dr Seuss once said, "You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut." So, with eyes wide open, step up to the starting line and give it your all, because Prep School Sports Days are one of the best things any school has to offer!
Joff
Pre-Prep
Nicky Whittaker - Head of Pre-Prep
This week I would like to pay tribute to our wonderful cleaner, Andy Rennie, who will retire at the end of this term. Andy joined Vinehall in 1994 and has been Pre-Prep’s loyal and trustworthy cleaner ever since. For more than three decades, Andy has been a constant - quietly working behind the scenes, never seeking the spotlight, yet leaving a mark on every classroom, corridor and heart. But come Christmas, something extraordinary would happen. An old cardboard box became the sleigh, the recycling pile transformed into wonder and the school … into a winter wonderland.
Using only found and recycled materials - never a shop-bought bauble in sight - Andy turned our building into a place of awe and joy. Children gasped, staff smiled and the spirit of the season truly came alive. It was never just decoration - it was imagination, care and community, wrapped in tinsel and lit with kindness.
We thank you, Andy, not only for the years of hard work and spotless floors, but for reminding us - year after year - that magic is real, and it often starts with the simplest of things.
You will be so dearly missed, but your upcycling, your heart and your stunning displays will remain part of this school forever.
For his swansong Andy has created a spectacular display:
Nursery and Kindergarten Summer Play
Sarah Wolford - Head of Nursery & Kindergarten
Roll up, roll up for the best show outside of The West End (cast consisting of 2, 3 and 4 year olds!) as The Little Vines children performed the story of 'The Enormous Turnip'; and what a performance it was! The Pre-Prep hall was full of awe and wonder as the children rose to the challenge of narrating the story, acting, singing, dancing and playing musical instruments to the best of their ability and their natural self confidence and sense of self just shone through.
We are so proud of every single child and, like every performance we ever perform, the children make it their own by adding their own words or interpretations which is always the highlight of the show!This certainly adds to the magic and joy of working with our youngest members of the Vinehall community! A big thank you to you all for being such a wonderful audience.
Reception
Holly Newton - Reception Teacher
This week we have been reading the story ‘Clean Up’ by Nathan Bryon and Dapa Adeola. We met a little girl called Rocket who discovers how plastic pollution is spoiling beaches and endangering beaches. We found out about sea turtles and how they are in danger because people drop rubbish in the sea, take their eggs and destroy their home. We wrote a fact file about sea turtles, what they look like, what they eat and where they live. We also included some fun facts about them. Did you know that sea turtles can hold their breadth under water for hours?!
In Maths, we have been identifying units of repeat in patterns and creating our own repeating patterns for our friends to copy and continue. We also looked at the patterns we generated when weaving scales for our fish. Aren’t they beautiful!
I loved watching the children after swimming this week, helping each other to manage their own personal needs. We discussed our appearances after getting dressed and how important it is to look neat and tidy at school. The children worked hard to help each other to brush their hair and to re-tie pony tails and plaits where appropriate. They also helped each other to straighten out the collars on their t-shirts and dresses. It was so lovely to watch the wonderful friendships that have developed amongst the children in Reception.
Year 1
Jacklyn Garwood - Year 1 Teacher
This week, our learning took us outdoors where the children thoroughly enjoyed exploring mathematical concepts in the fresh air. Using large manipulatives in wide open spaces really helped bring place value to life as we worked with numbers up to 100. It was wonderful to see the children so engaged and confident in their learning!
In literacy, the children brought their 'Bog Baby' story plans to life by retelling their imaginative tales using expressive words and actions. This storytelling approach is a fantastic way to build their narrative skills and boost their confidence in speaking and listening.
Forest School has continued to be a calm and enriching experience. The children have been developing their communication and problem-solving skills through collaborative exploration, while also enjoying moments of peaceful reflection and connection with nature.
Well done, Year 1 – what a brilliant week of learning and sunshine!
Year 2
Louise Hawtin - Year 2 Teacher
Year 2 were all superstars this week! The children performed in their Summer Concert and made us so proud, as they sang with great gusto and played their instruments with such confidence. There were solos on the piano and cello, as well as whole class performances on the harp. Well done Year 2 - what a talented bunch you are!
Year 3 - Flowers to Fruits
Carina Everist - Year 3 Teacher & Religious Studies Teacher Years 3-6
Year 3 are nearing the end of their term's work on Plants. They have learnt about pollination, fertilisation and the importance of looking after our bees and other pollinators. They loved going inside the greenhouse in the De Beer garden to look at the cucumber growing from the flower.
Years 3 & 4 Book Look
Our children in Years 3 and 4 were very excited for this term's Junior Book Look when parents are invited to come in and see all the work they have been doing.
Year 4 – Science
Louise Barrett - Head of Juniors
The children did an experiment to show the effects of Green House gases. Good results on a sunny day!
Year 5 – Visit to Rye Harbour
Becky Prior - Head of Science
On Wednesday 18th June, Year 5 enjoyed a fantastic trip to Rye Harbour in glorious sunshine. The children were an absolute delight as they explored the rich habitats of shingle and grassland. We visited the bird hide, looked out over the peaceful marshland, and spotted butterflies, insects drawn to the bright yellow Saxton house tops, and fish in the stream. A highlight was relaxing on the beach to enjoy our snacks before heading back to school. It was a wonderful day of nature and learning!
Year 5 – Prayer Flags
Karen Walker - Teaching Assistant Year 3
Year 5 have made wonderful Prayer Flags in RS as part of their learning about Buddhism. They wrote positive wishes for the Wind Horse to spread good energy. Here are a few examples.
"For everyone to have peace on our Earth"
"May kindness be with you"
"May nature regrow"
"All children to have an education"
"May the wind blow no gales but be soft and free"
Year 8 – Ready Steady Cook
Annabel Newcomb
As part of their Leavers' Programme, Year 8 took part in Ready Steady Cook.
Sport
Matt McKinnon - Director of Sport
The cricket season drew to a close this week with a final flurry of fixtures against St Andrew’s, The Mead and Marlborough House. It was a mixed bag of results on the scoreboard, but once again wonderful to witness the progress our pupils have made.
From confident batting displays to sharp fielding and improved teamwork, the development across the squads has been clear to see. Each match brought its own challenges and learning moments, and the players rose to meet them with determination and spirit. Congratulations to Charlie C for scoring 51 not out against MHS on Wednesday.
A huge thank you to all the staff, coaches and supporters who have helped make this season such a success.
Athletics
John Newman - PE & Games Teacher
Last week the Vinehall Athletic teams had their annual trips to compete in the Sussex County Championships. First up were the junior team who travelled down to Hurstpierpoint College where a small group competed against twenty-one schools aiming to become a Sussex Champion. Although we didn't manage the top spot this year, many of the group reached the final of their event, with Buzz OG achieving a third-place finish in the 300m and Albert P also finishing third in the shot put, being the pick of the day.
Then on Friday, on a very hot day, it was the turn of the Seniors who travelled to the K2 Stadium at Crawley. These championships have an added incentive, as the winners of each event are guaranteed an entry to the National Championships in Birmingham. The team were given a great boost right from the start as Charlie C retained his 1500m title in a new personal best time and we look forward to seeing if he can better his bronze medal from last year's Nationals. The day progressed with lots of the team making finals with Arthur P gaining a third in the Javelin and a second place finish in the shot-put and our U13 boys relay team also finishing fourth. Our second National finalist was Harry McK who led throughout each nail-biting round to win the U12 discus.
The gym display at the summer fete showcased a remarkable combination of individual and group routines, demonstrating the hard work and dedication of all participants. The individual routines highlighted each gymnast’s unique strengths, while the group routines displayed impressive coordination and teamwork. The finale was phenomenal! Many thanks to Nikki Towner and Haley.
Cricket the Real Winner in Heads' XI v Vines' XI Showdown
Dan MacDonnell - Director of Marketing and Admissions
Saturday saw cricket at its glorious best, as the Heads' XI took on the Vines' XI in a spirited and sun-drenched clash in front of a packed gallery at the picturesque Mitchell Pavilion. With clear blue skies overhead and the gentle hum of summer surrounding the ground, the stage was perfectly set for a day of camaraderie, competition and classic cricketing moments.
The Vines' XI, batting first, put on an impressive display, setting a bold target of 132. Their innings was marked by some clean hitting, sharp running between the wickets and a few audacious strokes that drew cheers from the crowd. The Heads' XI bowlers responded with gusto, producing moments of brilliance including a couple of stunning catches and tightly bowled spells that kept the contest evenly poised.
In reply, the Heads' XI began their chase with confidence, stringing together solid partnerships and showcasing some fluent strokeplay of their own. However, the Vines’ bowlers rose to the occasion, with clever variations and disciplined lines, claiming timely wickets that slowed the momentum. Despite a valiant effort, the Heads' XI ultimately fell just short of the target in the final overs.
Beyond the scoreboard, the day was a celebration of everything that makes cricket special: team spirit, sportsmanship and a shared love of the game. Laughter echoed between overs, fielders encouraged bowlers with claps and cheers and opponents applauded great plays on both sides.
As the sun began to dip and handshakes were exchanged, there was little doubt among players and spectators alike — cricket was the real winner.
Year 7 Drama Trip to Claremont
Mary Alderson - Head's PA and Director of Drama
On Thursday, I was delighted to take our wonderful Year 7s to Claremont for a beautifully sunny day dedicated to Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. The morning included three excellent workshops led by Claremont staff and students on expressive movement, voice/text and dance. I was so proud of the children's enthusiasm and ability to throw themselves into all the activities.
After a picnic in Claremont's grounds, we were treated to an excellent open-air performance by their talented Year 9s.
Boarding
Katherine Kirkwood – Head of Boarding
The weekend started with the school fete on Saturday. All the boarders had great fun. Some helped out on stalls, others enjoyed the bumper cars and ice cream. Later in the afternoon we went to watch the Head's cricket match. We had a lazy evening because everyone was tired from the week's activities.
On Sunday morning, after a hearty breakfast, we went to the Aqua Park at Bewl water. Some of the boarders went in without wetsuits, so it was a little chilly, but they had an hour running around jumping off the floats. We returned to school and the children were all hungry for lunch. During the afternoon we took a trip to Tesco and we bought ingredients to make ice cream sundaes. It was the perfect ending to a lovely weekend.