Willington News

Given that it is Friday the 13th today, we couldn't have been luckier with the weather for our whole school photograph this morning. The children were amazing, getting ready in height order and not complaining about being in full school uniform in the sweltering heat. A huge thank you to all the staff for organising the children and getting them ready for this major school event. This is the first time we have ever taken the photograph in front of the school, so I hope you look forward to ordering your own copy in due course. It will be a wonderful memento of the 140th anniversary of Willington, which I'm sure many of you would love to remember.

With only three weeks to go before the end of term, we have been incredibly busy this week, especially on the residential front. This time it was Years 3 and 4, plus Year 2, who were lucky enough to go away and experience the magic of outdoor education, much of it based on the water for Years 3 and 4. It was amazing watching them all return to Willington looking extremely tired but very happy. Year 2 especially looked like they'd been away for six months as they returned to the junior playground and collapsed in a heap on their bags, just wanting to go to sleep! I'm sure they've made many fantastic childhood memories over these past few days. I am sure you will join me in thanking each and every member of staff who took part in these residentials, giving the children the opportunity to build skills that are hard to attain in the classroom setting. 

In light of these residentials, I would urge you to have a look at the Tooled Up section where Kathy Weston provides some insightful resources around the topic of child's play. Especially the conversation that she has with Professor Paul Ramchandani - one not to be missed. 

It wasn't just these year groups who were out and about. Reception headed to Chessington for an amazing time at the zoo, getting up close and personal with all sorts of amazing wildlife, including giraffes and penguins. Thursday afternoon saw a visit to Chartwell, which was another excellent experience for the Year 6 children. Year 5 today has been out at the International Maritime Organisation for discussions about global shipping and climate change.

On the sporting front, we've had exceptional success with four of our older children — Amrit, Bode, Ian (Year 6)  and Ben, who is in Year 5—as they won their Surrey Tennis Cup semi-final, moving on to play St George's Weybridge next Thursday in the final. We wish them the best of luck in the final round and I know they will do their best to bring the cup home to Willington. Bravo, Team Willington!

On Monday, I visited Epsom College with a number of our parents to meet the new head, Mr Lascelles. Epsom College really is one of our more popular schools amongst parents, especially with it being a co-educational establishment, and if you would like further information, please feel free to get in touch with me.

Looking ahead to next week, we have Year 6 off to Shakespeare's Globe on Tuesday. ABRSM exams are happening on Wednesday, and Nursery and Year 4 are out and about—Nursery to Hobbledown Farm  and Year 4 to Legoland. 

Now that the weather seems to have heated up, I hope you all have a fantastic weekend spent outdoors and perhaps even enjoying a barbecue! KB