Issue 29

Chandlings Prep's innovative curriculum came alive with our recent "Maths is Everywhere" Day! Highlighting the importance of maths in daily life, the day was packed with engaging activities for all year groups.

Assembly began with Year 4 students showcasing the surprising amount of maths involved in a morning routine, from measuring medicine to calculating travel time. A video featuring staff using maths in their jobs further emphasised its real-world applications.

Each year group tackled exciting challenges: Reception to Year 3 explored core numbers with a variety of activities such as sewing round zeros, making chatterboxes and searching the school for triangles. Year 4 honed their orienteering skills, and Years 5 and 6 delved into the world of maths in the workplace with Mr Marchant, who kindly came back for the day. Fun posters and challenges throughout the school kept the momentum going, with children counting steps and stairs with newfound enthusiasm. Homework also embraced the theme, with some solving practical maths problems encountered by school staff.

This special day is a testament to Chandlings Prep's commitment to making maths engaging and relevant, showing our children how it is truly "everywhere"!

Year 2 at Chandlings Prep recently embarked on a journey through time, transforming the Lantern Hall into a bustling Victorian hospital! As part of their exciting topic on Significant Women in History, they became Florence Nightingale's dedicated helpers.

Fully immersed in the Victorian era, Year 2 actively participated in a variety of engaging activities. They displayed their creativity by crafting pill boxes and candle holders, destined to be sold and raise crucial funds for the hospital – just like Florence Nightingale did! Their detective skills were put to the test as they transformed into "super sleuths," uncovering the rightful owners of lost luggage belonging to important figures accompanying Florence to Scutari.

The afternoon saw a flurry of activity as they took on various roles within the hospital. From injured soldiers and nursing staff to doctors and hardworking medical orderlies, the children brought the Victorian hospital to life! Kitchen staff whipped up meals, gardeners tended to the grounds, and laundry workers ensured everything was clean and hygienic.

Through this immersive experience, Year 2 gained a deeper understanding of Florence Nightingale's remarkable contributions to healthcare. They not only learned about her life and achievements but also developed valuable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and empathy. They were fully engaged throughout the whole experience and had a lot of fun too.

Music filled the air at Chandlings Prep recently as Year 3 and Year 5 students christened the arrival of our magnificent new Bluthner Boudoir Grand piano at their recent informal concerts.

The piano boasts a rich history, having belonged to Mrs. Belcher's uncle, who, amongst other things, was a jazz pianist. It embarked on an epic journey from Elgin, Scotland, to find its new home at Chandlings Prep. A big thank you goes to PATCH (Parents, Teachers & Chandlings) for their generous donation that facilitated the piano's relocation.

The heartwarming story behind the piano will be further explored by Mrs. Belcher herself in an upcoming end-of-term assembly. She will share fascinating details about the piano's heritage and her uncle's musical legacy. 

The Bluthner Boudoir Grand piano is already inspiring the children at Chandlings Prep. With its rich tones and grand presence, it is sure to play a starring role in countless musical performances for years to come!

Our recent Year 3 trip to the Living Rainforest was an extraordinary experience. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a guide who led us on an informative tour through the rainforest, home to over 800 species of tropical plants and animals. As we walked, we encountered free-ranging birds, small reptiles, and tried to spot the fascinating two-toed sloth, called Cinnamon!

The rainforest was alive with sounds – the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, making the experience captivating and engaging. The children were delighted by the vibrant ecosystem, learning how the animals were adapted to living in the rainforest environment. 

After lunch, we even had a little time left over to visit the gift shop and practise our Maths skills when choosing and buying a souvenir! 

Last week, the charming world of France arrived in Chandlings' Pre-Prep department! The classrooms were transformed into miniature Parisian cafes.

For a taste of French culture, the Pre-Prep donned their most stylish berets and embarked on a culinary adventure. They devoured delicious croissants, flaky pain au chocolat, and crusty baguettes, practicing their French table manners with a chorus of "Merci" (thank you) and "S'il vous plaît" (please) throughout the breakfast.

The fun continued with them singing classic French songs providing a playful introduction to the French language and culture.

The Pre-Prep's French Breakfast was a delightful way to start a love for learning about different cultures. 

Year 3 transformed the main hall into fascinating mini-museums last week, sharing their incredible projects with the entire year group as well as some staff. It was a real treat to see the effort and enthusiasm which went into curating each and every project. It really felt like a trip to a museum! There was a diverse range of topics including: Fossils, Under the Sea, Pokemon, Concorde, Barbie Doctors and Pandas to name but a few. 

The children stood up and presented their museum giving us many facts and interesting things to think about. The pupils then were able to visit each other's museum and ask questions about the items. They had lots of special people visit the museums including the Year 2 children who came to see what they have to look forward to next year. To commemorate their achievement, Ms. Cook, Mrs. Love, and Mrs. Biggs presented each mini-curator with a special certificate, a proud reminder of their hard work and creativity.