Matilda - When I Grow Up...

Bruce Bogtrotter’s chocolate cake; Amanda Thripp’s hammerthrow pigtail pirouette; and a hoard of ‘Revolting Children’…no musical encapsulates the imaginative playfulness of being a child more perfectly than Matilda. With its smash hit songs, extraordinary characters and spectacular theatrical moments there could be no better choice for our senior production this year.

Matilda Wormwood, as we well know, is a remarkable child blessed with the extraordinary gifts of storytelling, imagination and telekinesis…to name a few! Despite the neglectful treatment she suffers from her parents, she is also a kind, compassionate human being who is wise beyond her years. She is in essence the ‘Miracle’ that both Miss Honey and the pupils at Crunchem Hall desperately need to overcome the magnificent tyrant that is Agatha Trunchbull.

For pupils, staff and parents alike, our production this term proved a rip-roaring success. One which will leave us singing those hits song again and again in the coming months. From the power anthem that was ‘Revolting Children’; the hilariously catchy ‘Bruce’ and his defiant cake eating; to the poignantly evocative ‘When I Grow Up’ – accompanied by some touching reminders of our pupils’ first days at school - Matilda Jr proved a moving and empowering production for all involved.

The senior production is somewhat of a rite of passage for our Year 7 & 8 pupils. It represents their own milestone on a personal journey to growing up and taking their next steps in their school career. We are so incredibly proud of all their hard work and the way they have supported each other throughout the rehearsal process. This moment will forever be theirs and we encourage them to relish it. They should take great confidence from this wonderful collective achievement they have produced together. For wherever they grow from this point on, this performance should remind them that they can achieve remarkable things.

Library Opening

The opening of the Pre-Prep Library was a wonderfully inspiring day, filled with excitement, imagination, and a genuine love of books. The children were delighted to welcome Abie Longstaff, a talented local children’s author, whose warm and enthusiastic workshops encouraged pupils to let their imaginations run wild as they created their own stories and characters. It was also especially lovely to have so many Pre-Prep parents join us for the sessions, sharing in the joy of storytelling and supporting the children as they explored new ideas. To officially open the library, the pupils worked together to crack a secret code, adding an element of mystery and adventure that made the moment even more memorable. Year 1 and Year 2 then serenaded everyone with a cheerful song about books, bringing smiles to the whole room. Since its opening, the library has quickly become a vibrant hub of learning, now used every day for reading, exploring, and discovering new favourite stories.

Incredible India

The Juniors kicked off their new topic, Incredible India, with great excitement. Their learning launched with an Indian dance workshop led by Kalpesh, who introduced them to the storytelling, cultural significance, and energetic movements of traditional Indian dance. With swirling arms, expressive hand gestures, and energetic footwork, the Juniors threw themselves into the experience with enthusiasm.

The highlight of the day was a colourful re‑creation of the Holi festival, where children threw bright powder paints and experienced the joy and vibrancy of this famous celebration. Clouds of pink, yellow, blue, and green swirled through the air as everyone joined in the fun. It was the perfect way to bring the spirit of India to Great Walstead.

This engaging start has set the tone for an inspiring topic ahead. From festivals and wildlife to art and landscapes, the journey through Incredible India has only just begun—and it’s already proving to be unforgettable.

Spring Term Sport

Spring term is always very busy on the sporting front. March is known as ‘Mad March’ on the circuit and it certainly lived up to its name this year. There were fixtures and tournaments aplenty, with a great deal of success thrown in along the way. Our U9 Girls’ Tennis Team won silver medals at the Sussex Championships, our U11 swimmers picked up 2 bronze medals at the Sussex Primary School Championships and the U10 Boys’ Hockey Team had a stellar season, managing to win both the Ardingly and UKSA tournaments.

Youth Speaks

Our pupils have showcased real talent in debating and public speaking across recent events. At the Bedes Mini MUN Conference, our Yr 6 delegates represented Australia and Sweden, tackling global issues such as social media restrictions, environmental responsibility and international territorial questions. Their well researched arguments, confident delivery, and ability to handle challenging questions earned awards for Best Proposer and Best Opposer. Meanwhile, our Yr 8 debate team triumphed in the first round of the Rotary Youth Speaks competition, winning their age category with clear and persuasive presentations. Their success was further highlighted by individual awards for Best Chair and Best Proposer. Together, these achievements reflect the strength of debating and public speaking at Great Walstead, celebrating diplomacy, teamwork, and communication across the school.

Science Week at Walstead

Science Week provided pupils with a wide range of exciting and engaging experiences.

Science in Action

One of the highlights was a carousel of interactive activities for pupils in Years 1 & 2 and Years 3 & 4. Pupils explored exciting, hands-on reactions, which sparked curiosity and enthusiasm. Activities such as Bubble in a Bubble, Fireworks and chromocreatures were firm favourites! These sessions were particularly special as they were peer-taught, with Year 6 and Year 8 pupils leading the activities. This not only supported the younger children’s learning but also helped develop confidence and leadership skills in the older pupils.

The Science Fair

We also sent a team of Year 7 pupils to represent Great Walstead at Cottesmore’s Science Fair, where they proudly presented projects based on areas of science they had independently chosen to investigate. Their hard work and creativity were evident in the quality of their displays.

The Science Gadget Shop

The Gadget Shop was up and running by Year 8 pupils again, who sold a variety of items to raise money for charity. The pupil’s initiative and enthusiasm made it a great success, raising £316.00 for Time 4 Children.

A trip to Space

Herstmonceux brought in their inflatable planetarium for several year groups to experience, ask lots of questions and reinforce their learning of space.

Overall, Science Week was a fantastic opportunity to promote teamwork, creativity, and a love of science.