Mud Pi in Action

This term Pre-Prep have been experiencing learning in its most exciting and memorable form: through our Mud Pi approach. Mud Pi combines teaching excellence with inspiring natural environments to create rich opportunities for exploration, creativity, and hands-on discovery. We believe that young children learn best when they can see, touch and explore the world around them. By being outside, the children engage in meaningful experiences that support their social, emotional and physical development—while nurturing a genuine love of learning.

In recent sessions, children have created rangoli patterns among the trees, using leaves, petals, and natural materials to explore cultural celebrations. The activity supports creative arts and cultural understanding but also strengthens fine motor skills and collaboration. Physical development is also strengthened outdoors. Rather than limiting movement to a hall or playground, the woods provide new ways to develop gross motor skills. Children climb, balance, dig, and move freely, building strength and resilience.

In the Pre-prep we want to provide memorable experiences and in a recent topic lesson Year 2 watched their model houses burn as part of a dramatic re-enactment of The Great Fire of London. Conducted safely in an outdoor space, the activity demonstrates how the fire of 1666 spread rapidly through the city. I believe children gain a far richer historical understanding when they can see the event unfold before their eyes.

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Our outdoor space is a dynamic and ever-changing classroom. It invites curiosity, problem-solving, collaboration, and independence. The natural environment offers sensory experiences and challenges that cannot be replicated indoors. Whether they are navigating uneven terrain, noticing wildlife, or simply feeling the weather change, children build resilience and confidence every time they step outside. As adults we recognise the importance of being outside and having fresh air so by embracing the outdoors, we give children the space to discover who they are, what they can do and how they learn best. This is the Mud Pi experience - immersive, joyful, meaningful learning in the very best environment nature can offer. We are proud to provide this to our children in the Pre-Prep and beyond.

Year 8 Enterprise

During International Space Week, the entrepreneurial pupils of 8Z set up a Space Gadget Shop, raising money for the charity, Time 4 Children. They learnt about design, promotion, accounting, communication, selling and finished the project presenting in assembly. They also raised an incredible £442.75 for Time 4 Children. Well done 8Z!

Pre-School's Little Green Fingers

Our green-fingered Pre-Schoolers have been busy brightening up their playground with a spot of gardening. The children all helped to mix the fresh compost into the soil, then they had a lovely time planting daffodil bulbs and pansies. They discussed what plants needed to grow and their final job was to give the new plants a good watering. We look forward to seeing all daffodils in bloom in the spring time!

Autumn Term Sport

It has once again been a busy autumn term on the sports fields at Great Walstead. Every pupil in the prep school has represented the school with pride and enthusiasm. There have been some impressive results along the way, but most importantly a great deal of progress has been made. The U13 boys football team enjoyed a thrilling penalty shootout win in the first round of the ISFA shield before a narrow defeat at the hands of St Joseph’s School in Ipswich. Our girls team played superbly to qualify for the inaugural U13 Girls IAPS National Football Finals at Royal Russell School. At the finals, they secured second place in their group before a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Millfield in the semi-finals. A top four finish in the country is still an achievement that they can be most proud of.

News from FOGWA

For FOGWA, one of the highlights has been our Pre Prep Christmas Gift Shopping where the children all come along to choose a gift for their families. It is a delight to watch them think carefully about what their parents/carers would like to receive. I would like to thank Caroline W for the time and consideration she puts into sourcing these gifts year on year.

Another highlight is the Christmas Bazaar. There were giggles galore on the ‘Santa Pants’ stall, the House Stalls looked amazing and brought tons of festive joy to the hall, and the seniors loved their impossible ladder challenge. We had a whopping 37 stalls requiring 195 shifts between parents and staff – wowsers! We really couldn’t make it happen without you! Thank you!

- By Kath B, FOGWA Chair