Issue 23

On 2 February, Chandlings Prep embarked on a vibrant journey around the world during its annual International Day, celebrating the diverse tapestry of cultures that make its school community so special.

More than just a celebration, International Day was a whirlwind of learning and cultural immersion. The Lantern Hall transformed into a bustling marketplace, with twelve stalls representing countries from Mexico and Brazil to Japan and India. Each stall was curated by dedicated parent volunteers and offered a captivating glimpse into a different culture through interactive games, fascinating facts, and delicious treats. Children from Nursery to Year Six embarked on a 30-minute tour, learning about languages, traditions, and customs from around the world.

The spirit of the day truly came alive through the children's vibrant costumes. Dressed in the colours of flags, wearing traditional dress, or simply expressing their creativity, they became living embodiments of their chosen countries. This visual tapestry sparked conversations, fostered understanding, and celebrated the uniqueness of each individual.

But International Day wasn't just about observation. Every child actively participated in engaging workshops, delving deeper into the customs and traditions of their chosen countries. Whether crafting Venetian masks, dancing the Samba or learning Zulu chants, these immersive experiences fostered a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of our world.

"International Day is a highlight of our school year," said Christine Cook, Head of Chandlings Prep. "It's a reminder that even though we come from different backgrounds, we are united by a shared love of learning and a deep appreciation for each other's cultures. A  huge thank you must go to everyone who took part in particular to all the parents who created the amazing stalls"

"Organising International Day is always a joy," added Mlle Pasquini, Head of Modern Foreign Languages and the event organiser. "Seeing the children's faces light up as they discover new cultures and celebrate their own heritage is truly rewarding. It's a powerful reminder that the world is our classroom, and understanding each other is the greatest lesson we can learn."

Chandlings Prep's International Day was a resounding success, leaving students, parents and staff alike with cherished memories and a renewed sense of global citizenship.

Last Monday, eight excited Chandlings Prep musicians, from Year 4 to Year 6, joined forces with 45 students from other prep schools at Abingdon School for a vibrant day of music and collaboration. "Make a Noise!" lived up to its name, filling the school with the joyful sounds of young musicians honing their skills and celebrating their love for music. Throughout the day, the Chandlings contingent were split into sectionals led by Abingdon's music department, immersing themselves in diverse musical styles and refining their techniques ready for the afternoon performance. The grand finale arrived, with all participants taking to the Amey Theatre stage to showcase their newfound skills before a proud audience of parents. 

What made the day even more special was seeing some familiar faces amongst the Abingdon musicians - former Chandlings Prep students James W., Tom J., Laurence M., Rafiq D. and Noah A., who generously shared their skills and experience with their younger peers. It was a heartwarming reminder of the lasting impact of Chandlings' music program and the joy of music's journey beyond school walls. 

We're delighted to unveil the winners of the Year 6 Science House Model Making Competition, where students showcased their creativity and scientific understanding by crafting detailed cell models. 

The task involved constructing representations of cells – be it plant, animal, bacteria, or virus – emphasising key components such as the cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, and organelles.

Students displayed exceptional ingenuity, using various materials to bring their models to life, adhering to the guidelines of clear labelling and detailed descriptions for each cell part. The Lantern Hall buzzed with excitement as the models were exhibited, demonstrating a remarkable blend of scientific accuracy and artistic expression.

It was very hard to choose the top five.  But after much deliberation, Mrs Biggs and Ms Cook chose the following winners: Henrietta, Amrit, Riley, Leo and Wilf.

“I extend my congratulations to our talented Year 6 children for their exceptional creations in the Science House Model Making Competition.” said Ms Cook, Head of Chandlings Prep. “Their imaginative cell models not only demonstrated a deep understanding of cellular biology but also showcased the creativity and innovation that defines our curriculum.”

In a spirit of intrepid exploration, our Nursery 2 adventurers embarked on a captivating journey last week, navigating the bustling streets of London but within their own classroom! From towering landmarks to the magnificent Buckingham Palace and the iconic London Bridge they discovered endless wonder. A delightful surprise awaited them in the form of a special guest – Mr. Umhoefer, transformed into a real-life King's Guard straight from Buckingham Palace (or maybe Year 4!). This immersive learning journey, fuelled by their own questions and curiosity, is a testament to the power of child-led discovery that thrives at Chandlings Prep!