Building Confidence – A Summer of Growth and Opportunity
As we approach the final weeks of the summer term, our children will be experiencing a whirlwind of activities — from exams and outdoor education trips to Sports Day and class transitions. These events, while exciting to many, can also be incredibly overwhelming. Our pastoral theme for the fortnight is 'confidence', as we support children to feel good about themselves and to feel positive about their abilities.
We hope that our support will make them feel encouraged and capable. Knowing that their efforts are valued can make all the difference; therefore we will help them to recognise their small wins along the way.
Outdoor education and Sports Day offer perfect opportunities for our children to challenge themselves, take healthy risks and discover strengths beyond the classroom. As always, it is about participating, supporting their peers and, above all, having fun.
As the children prepare to move up to new classes and meet new teachers and friends, we have been reminding them that it is natural to be nervous, as it shows that they care. As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” So we are taking these nerves and helping each child to believe in themselves.
This belief is all powerful. Hooray for the final weeks of the summer term!
Joff
Nursery – People who help us
Sarah Wolford - Head of Nursery & Kindergarten
This week we have been learning about Fire Fighters as part of our topic focussing on ‘Our Community.’
We were very fortunate to have the Battle Fire Crew come to visit us in their amazing fire engine on Monday. I cannot begin to tell you how excited the children were as they were allowed to climb aboard and learn all about the equipment which is stored upon the engine! Obviously, the highlight of the visit was being able to squirt water from the hose. What an amazing opportunity and, yes, we did have a few wet children! The children also enjoyed playing in the role play fire station and I was very impressed to hear that quite a few of them knew that they needed to dial 999 in an emergency! They also created and designed some fantastic fire engines; do pop in to see the display! A big thank you to our local fire fighters and the amazing job they do!
Kindergarten - The Rare Breeds Centre
Catherine Garlick - Kindergarten Teacher
There was great excitement in the Kindergarten class on Thursday when we had the pleasure of going on a school trip to ‘The Rare Breeds Centre’. It was wonderful to see the joy on the children’s faces as they explored all of the activities on offer. They enjoyed a ride on the tractor, an informative workshop about life cycles, exploring the children’s barn, walking through the butterfly tunnel, seeing lots of farm animals and going in the aviary. This was all topped off with a picnic and playing in the park. The children were a delight on the trip and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
Reception
Holly Newton - Reception Teacher
What a busy week! On Monday the crew from Battle Fire Station visited us with their fire engine. We listened enthralled to the explanations of all the equipment and loved having a go with the fire hose.
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful day Reception had at The Rare Breeds Centre. We loved meeting the animals in the children’s barn where we could stroke some incredibly friendly animals including rabbits, guinea pigs and piglets. We also met Rhonda the beautiful shire horse and lots of pigs, sheep, goats and many more on the farm.
We had a hugely exciting ride on the trailer. The tractor went so fast and we bumped up and down as he sped along. This ride helped us to see more of the animals out in the fields. We were amazed to spot some giant chairs too!
The children thoroughly enjoyed playing in the soft play area and the outdoor play parks. There was so much for them to explore. They also challenged themselves in the Mysterious Marsh and worked hard to perfect their balancing skills!
A huge thank to Mr Alderson for driving us in the minibus and to Mrs Garlick for organising the trip. We think they are both SUPERSTARS!
Year 1
Jacklyn Garwood - Year 1 Teacher
The children were welcomed back after half term to discover our new book: 'The Bog Baby!' What better way to explore our new topic of ‘Outdoor Adventure’ than to go on a hunt around the school in search of a real ‘Bog Baby’! The children followed clues and worked together to end up at the Vinehall ‘Bog’, only to discover a tiny creature. We carefully brought him back to the classroom and thought about the things he might need to survive if he stayed with us for a few days. Bog Baby seemed pleased and happily played in his new home. The children began the planning for making their own ‘Bog Baby’ - thinking about the materials they would need and how they would assemble them. What creative ideas you have Year 1!
Year 2
Louise Hawtin - Year 2 Teacher
Year 2 took part in a wonderful drama workshop based on Little Red Riding Hood. The children bumped into Grandma in her cottage in the woods and talked about the story. They then performed various mimes, such a packing a picnic basket and picking flowers. Afterwards they worked together to create the shapes of different objects and created a tableau of a woodland scene. Finally they performed a short scene in pairs and had to really think about their body language and expression. There are some great thespians in the making and it was such a fun morning!
Year 3 – Angles
Carina Everist - Year 3 Teacher & Religious Studies Teacher Years 3-6
Year 3 have been trying to get their heads around angles, including right angles, acute angles and obtuse angles. Some even now think they know what a reflex angle is!
Year 5 – Forest School
Emily Platt - Head of English
This week saw Year 5's last session of Forest School with Amy and Laura and they had a fantastic time as usual despite the inclement weather. While wind and rain blew the cricketers off the pitch outside, Year 5 were safely ensconced in the woods sheltered by the tall trees, doing a range of activities which included arts and crafts, setting up a makeshift shop, constructing bows and arrows and den making.
Logan L-S was instructing others how to make the perfect bow and arrow, and Caspar K was thrilled with his "fork thrower" creation!
James H was delighted to present a new and improved version of his impressive fly wheel which he has been developing over the last few months, and has now perfected.
Year 5 hope that they will have the opportunity to return to Forest School next year - they love it there!
Sport
Matt McKinnon - Director of Sport
Great House Run & Pre-Prep Fun Run – Friday 23 May
The sun was shining and spirits were high as our school community gathered for one of the most anticipated events of the term – the Great House Run and the Pre-Prep Fun Run. It was an afternoon filled with energy, determination, and a wonderful sense of camaraderie.
The enthusiasm from our youngest runners in the Pre-Prep Fun Run was truly heartwarming. Their excitement and effort were a joy to witness, and every participant should be incredibly proud. A special congratulations goes to Oscar B (Year 2), who crossed the finish line first with an impressive run!
In the main event, the Great House Run, the competition was fierce and the support from the sidelines was electric. Congratulations to Charlie C (Year 7), who claimed victory with a fantastic performance.
The House competition added an extra layer of excitement, with all four houses giving it their all. In the end, it was Paxton who emerged victorious, showing great teamwork and spirit. Saxton followed closely in second place, with Rushton in third and Ashton in fourth.
A huge thank you to all the staff and supporters who made the afternoon such a success. Most of all, well done to every runner – your effort and enthusiasm made this a truly memorable event.
Colts A v Windlesham House
On a blustery Thursday afternoon, Vinehall Colts A welcomed the touring side Windlesham House for what promised to be an exciting cricket fixture. With ominous clouds looming overhead, the match was brought forward in an attempt to beat the weather.
Batting first in challenging conditions, Vinehall showed resilience and flair. Aided by two guest players from Marlborough House, the home side posted a respectable 112 for 5 from their allotted 20 overs. The innings was marked by steady partnerships and some sharp running between the wickets, despite the slippery outfield.
However, just as the teams prepared for the second innings, the heavens opened. Torrential rain forced the remainder of the afternoon indoors, with players and spectators retreating to the sports hall. While the match ended prematurely, the spirit of cricket and camaraderie between the two schools shone through.
Girls' U11 Cricket
John Newman - PE & Games Teacher
On Wednesday the U12 girls played in an eight-a-side pairs cricket tournament away at Dulwich Prep School. After losing their first match to Saint Ronan’s, the eventual Cup Winners, the team improved throughout the afternoon. Winning their second match against Ashford Prep, they progressed to the plate competition by coming second in their group. Vinehall saved their best until last by winning a very exciting match against hosts Dulwich by eight runs - Vinehall scoring 177 for 2 and Dulwich in reply 169 for 2. Rosie A, scoring 26 runs off the last over, certainly went a long way in helping the team get over the line. All the girls contributed to a fun afternoon, with Vinehall finishing third out of seven schools.
House News
Paxton Beach Clean
Louise Barrett - Head of Juniors
Paxton had a lovely sunny afternoon on the beach this week. We picked up some litter and had an ice cream. We were pleased to notice that there was a lot less fishing line plastic this year.