Category: Pre-Prep News
It has been a good week this week!
Signs of spring are all around us and the first tentative steps out of lockdown are about to start. In assembly on Monday, I talked about the power of music and listening to ‘Thought for the Day’ on Radio 4 this morning, the exact same topic was discussed.
Music has the power to unlock emotions; to uplift and to comfort, to energise and to sooth. It is also an outlet for creativity and expression. The Arts are a vital part of our wellbeing and are, quite rightly, a core part of our education here at Woodbridge School Prep. Drama, Music and Art are integral to the curriculum, as we seek to ensure that the children are equipped with the tools that will allow them to lead happy and successful lives, with the ability to share their thoughts, develop resilience and express their emotions.
During lockdown, we have had the opportunity to realise what we value and to reflect on what we need to ensure that we have a healthy balance in our lives.
In a week’s time, that balance should start to be restored, as the children will be able to reconnect with friends, spend more time outdoors and have the ability to develop their shared interests, as part of the happy and vibrant community at School once more.
Best wishes,
Mrs Nicola Mitchell
Head of Woodbridge School Prep
What a week!
As disruptive as extreme weather can be, the snow has certainly brought a level of excitement and difference to what is turning into a long time of necessary restrictions and limitations.
Mrs Martin commented this morning that we are officially half way through the school year and, despite the obvious disruption, time does seem to be going by quickly.
On Monday we talked about Superheroes, and the challenge for the half term ahead is for each child to be their own superhero away from work. The children have adapted so well and are really developing their independence and determination so they are becoming their own best advocate for their school work. Now is the week to do something different.
We have a challenge to help the children get out and about and maintain their levels of exercise.
http://www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk/home-and-away
You may also find this inspiring:
https://www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk/woodbridge-feel-good-fridays/
I have also challenged them to look after their environments and be mindful of what is around them. Pick up that litter (with all necessary safety precautions), send a neighbour a note, call a family member, be charitable – switch off the screens and be active this coming week. It is important that the children feel that this half term really is a break for them and not just more of the same.
We look forward to seeing the children on line on 22 February when, like you, we will be waiting to hear the plans for the return to school.
Have a lovely week and thank you for all your support and encouragement thus far. The staff have really appreciated it.
Best wishes,
Mrs Nicola Mitchell
Head of Woodbridge School Prep
29th January 2021
Inspiration has been the theme of the week and, as we have reflected on who, or what, inspires us we are given the opportunity to reflect on our behaviours and attitudes and how these can impact ourselves and others.
Quite often we think about inspiration coming from an external source and there is potential for us to rely on input coming to us.
There is so much opportunity though for us to start with ourselves. As a new mum I remember being told to ‘look after yourself or you can’t care for your family.’ These wise words resound even more now. Whether directed to parents or children, the current situation requires us to care for ourselves and those around us.
We can take our theme for the year, Challenge, combine it with Inspiration and challenge ourselves to be our own inspiration. This could be taking on a House Challenge, noticing nature, making sure we get up and move around between work commitments, embrace the outdoors everyday (even in the rain), complete the Keep Fit tasks… the opportunities are endless.
We have the responsibility to be the best version of ourselves that we can be and that starts with motivation from within, supported and encouraged by those around us.
What can you achieve? How are you going to do it?
Give it a go – be your own inspiration and that will support others in itself.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Best wishes,
Mrs Nicola Mitchell
Head of Woodbridge School Prep
22nd January 2021
This week has been an historic one, as we saw the 46th American President take office. President Joe Biden is the oldest president to be sworn in on his third attempt to win the race to the White House. Kamala Harris became the first female Vice-President and also the first black and South Asian American ever to take this position.
Both these stories remind us that with perseverance, determination and hard work we can achieve goals that may seem impossible. Our pupils have role models that surround them, young and old, both in the UK and further afield, that should inspire them to strive to be the best that they can be.
The message from America this week was one of unity; we don’t all need to think in the same way to be able to work together. The most important lessons from the Inauguration Speech were that we should ‘treat each other with dignity and respect’ and that there are times when we need support for ourselves, and other times when we need to give support.
As a new chapter begins, we can only image the paths that our own children will take in their futures. Equipped with key core skills and the ability to communicate, lead, show initiative, collaborate and share kindness, we know that they have the tools required to make the most of any situation that they may choose to face.
Mrs Nicola Mitchell
Head of Woodbridge School Prep
Years ago, whilst at prep school, a piece of research was set based around interviewing our grandparents. I recall the enjoyment of discovering all sorts of stories connected to my grandfathers; hilarious backroom deals from my shopkeeper grandpa and slightly intimidating stories from my handlebar-moustache-sporting, RAF Squadron Leader grandfather. My grandmothers had their own intriguing and uplifting stories of ration books and living in Egypt during some challenging times.
It occurred to me recently that we are the interview subjects of the future for our own grandchildren. Many of us have seen huge changes in society in the 70s, 80s and 90s; we survived the Y2K and the promised computer meltdown that never occurred; we have learnt of tremendous turmoil, but also stories of hope, from around the world. Opinions have changed, discoveries have been made and mistakes are hopefully being learnt from. There is much potential. However, there is also the global pandemic. Who knows what else will occur in our lifetimes?
We have the ability to make a difference; through attitude and action, we can change events or at least make them seem better. My grandparents lived through incredibly challenging times but the stories I heard were ones of friendship, kinsmanship, care, help and positivity. Times are not easy at the moment, but we can and will learn positive lessons from our experiences.
What we will pass on in the future as memories from our time? Resilience, gratitude, positivity and kindness surely have to be lessons that we can all appreciate, now and in years to come.
Best wishes
Mrs Nicola Mitchell
Head of Woodbridge School Prep
Every school wants the best for their pupils and members of their community, and there are a variety of avenues that may be pursued to support this. At Woodbridge School Prep, the intellectual and emotional intelligence of each pupil is developed, and skills are taught, to enable all aspects of every pupil to expand.
It is vital that children develop a toolkit of skills that they can access to support their learning and their ability to navigate situations that they will face, as they go through life. Adding on skills at a later stage – as and when they are required – is, in my opinion, too late. Children need to be fully confident in practices, behaviours and thought-processes before they need to rely upon them for support. By developing wellbeing and emotional intelligence, children learn to understand themselves and their personal requirements.
Mindfulness is embedded within our curriculum and our community, and is an essential part of each child’s set of skills, which enable them to face the challenges of the modern world confidently and without fear. Giving ourselves permission to know ourselves and our responses is a vital skill for life, and not only for childhood.
By embracing these practices and techniques and ensuring that the ethos of the School is at the core of what we do, we are ensuring that the children are genuinely gaining a rich education for life, and not just the next set of examinations.
You can view our latest ‘Mindful Moments’ campaign – promoting mindfulness and wellbeing with some useful tips and techniques – on the Woodbridge School YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/woodbridgeschool
Nicola Mitchell
We have embedded Mindfulness throughout our School.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is all about learning to direct our attention to our experience as it unfolds, moment by moment, with open-minded curiosity and acceptance. Rather than worrying about what has happened, or might happen, it trains us to respond skilfully to whatever is happening right now, in the present moment.
What are the benefits of Mindfulness?
It gives the children ‘mindfulness’ as a life-skill. The children use it to –
- to feel happier, calmer and more fulfilled
- to communicate more effectively with others
- to help them concentrate, focus and make good decisions
- to help cope with stress and anxiety
- to support performance such as music and sport
How do we practise Mindfulness at Woodbridge School Prep?
- The Paws b curriculum created by the Mindfulness in Schools Project is taught to Year 3. It has been carefully crafted by classroom teachers and mindfulness experts to engage young children. It is taught with striking visuals, film clips and activities that bring mindfulness to life without losing the expertise and integrity of classic mindfulness teaching.
- In Years 4, 5 and 6, we revisit the curriculum to consolidate the learning.
- We practice as a whole school every Monday morning in assembly.
- Teachers refer to mindfulness practice in the classroom and around the school.
- Pupils know how to access this skill when necessary. They use their own mindfulness practice in school and at home. They share their experience of good practice.
Mindfulness in the News
Josephine Lister, writer for HundrED states that ‘by targeting emotional and cognitive capabilities at a young age, you instil a way of behaving and being that can carry on throughout adult life. Schools have a particular responsibility to include mindfulness in their weekly classes, as school is one of the first points of stress in a child’s life.’
A study by Place2Be (a leading children’s mental health charity) found that ‘56 per cent of British children worry about something all the time.’ Another study found that ‘one in eight children between the ages of five and 19 have at least one mental illness, with depression and anxiety being the most common.’ Research published in the health journal Mindfulness, found ‘eight weeks of weekly mindfulness lessons improved children’s grades, and reduced aggression, stress and social anxiety.’
Launching the Government’s initiative to teach mindfulness in up to 370 schools throughout England over two years, Damian Hinds, former Education Secretary, said in February 2019: ‘As a society, we are much more open about our mental health than ever before, but the modern world has brought new pressures for children, while potentially making others worse.’
An article written in ‘The Telegraph’ by Maria Lally reads ‘Imrain Hussain, director of policy and campaigns for the British charity Action for Children, says: “Services like these can lessen the anxiety, pain, and anguish that some teens go through, but also reduce their need for intensive support further down the line.” The services he is referring to here include mindfulness.‘
Mindfulness is also implemented at Woodbridge School Prep through other areas:
Anti-Bullying Week and Child Mental Health week
9th November 2020
In the run-up to Christmas, pupils and staff at Woodbridge School – from both the town’s Senior and Prep Schools – have set themselves a new #Woodbridge4Woodbridge Challenge. The aim is to cover as many miles as possible over a two-week period, from today [9th November 2020] to 20th November 2020, to raise much-needed funds through sponsorship for local community charity, Home-Start in Suffolk, and to promote mental wellbeing at this very difficult time.
Every member of the Woodbridge School community, including pupils, teachers and staff across both sites, is being encouraged to set their own challenging distance goal, and will be asking their friends and family to sponsor them.
The #Woodbridge4Woodbridge Challenge is the brainchild of Melissa Shanahan, History teacher and Deputy Head of Lower School at Woodbridge School, who explains her motivation behind the campaign:
“This year, more than ever, we have seen the importance of pulling together as a community, and helping those around us. I wanted to do something to bring our School community together as a team, working towards a shared goal, as we always do, and the #Woodbridge4Woodbridge Challenge seemed a great way to be able to get fit – which we all know is important for mental wellbeing – and to raise much-needed funds.
“Home-Start will be working tirelessly over the next few weeks to ensure that no local family goes without food or presents this Christmas, and we are proud to be able to support them in their vital community efforts.”
Shona Norman, Head of Woodbridge School, said:
“Here, at Woodbridge School, we are proud to be continuing the legacy of our founder, Thomas Seckford, in supporting the local community. We have a long history of working with our neighbours to help to make a difference, and we look forward to really getting behind this #Woodbridge4Woodbridge Christmas Challenge to raise as much as we can for one of our most important local good causes, Home-Start in Suffolk, in a safe and COVID-secure way.
“As we enter a second lockdown period, it is especially important that we do all that we can to keep our minds and bodies healthy and active, so whether it is a sponsored run, walk or cycle, every little counts!”
Ali Watson, Fundraising & Marketing Manager at Home-Start in Suffolk, said:
“We have been really busy throughout the pandemic. The Coronavirus has had a huge impact on Suffolk families; and we have seen many families, who have never experienced difficulties in the past, struggle in a number of ways, particularly with financial hardship and isolation. We appreciate everything that Woodbridge School is doing on our behalf and we wish you all the very best with the #Woodbridge4Woodbridge Challenge.”
Woodbridge School has been working with Home-Start in Suffolk for some years. It is the county’s largest family support charity, with the vision that every child in Suffolk is given the best start in life because of the love, support and guidance they receive from their parents, guardians or the people performing the role of their parents. https://www.homestartinsuffolk.org/families
To find out more about Woodbridge School’s #Woodbridge4Woodbridge Challenge and to donate, go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-portal/fundraiserPage?pageId=1211384&newPage=true#
For further information on Woodbridge School, visit www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk
To learn more about Home-Start in Suffolk, go to https://www.homestartinsuffolk.org/
Photo caption: Pupils and staff at Woodbridge School are pulling together to raise much-needed funds for local community charity, Home-Start in Suffolk. The newly-launched #Woodbridge4Woodbridge Challenge aims to cover as many sponsored miles as possible over a two-week period, from 9th to 20th November 2020. [Credit: WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL]
5 November 2020
To view Woodbridge School Prep’s ‘Mindful Moments’ videos, visit the YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/woodbridgeschool
As England enters a second COVID lockdown period, Woodbridge School Prep has today [Thursday 5 November 2020] launched a new ‘Mindful Moments’ campaign. The School will be making a range of ‘Mindful Moments’ videos publicly available on its YouTube channel and across social media – featuring simple-to-follow Mindfulness techniques, such as breathing and reflection – to promote health and wellbeing during lockdown, not just amongst its pupils, but also parents and the wider community.
Nicola Mitchell, Head of Woodbridge School Prep, said:
“The ability to be calm and ‘in the present moment’ is such an important ‘life skill’, and we want to share how our Mindfulness practices at Woodbridge School Prep may be able to help many more people, as we all prepare for the challenges of the second lockdown that we are facing this year.
“From Reception and throughout the School, Mindfulness is embedded into our curriculum to support the wellbeing of both children and staff. We also know that our parents have benefitted from the workshops that they have attended with us. We hope that, by sharing our regular ‘Mindful Moments’, the wider Woodbridge community may also benefit during this difficult time.”
Mindfulness, as taught at Woodbridge School Prep, for pupils aged between 4 and 11, is about ‘learning to direct our attention to our experience as it unfolds, moment by moment, with open-minded curiosity and acceptance. Rather than worrying about what has happened, or might happen, it trains us to respond skilfully to whatever is happening right now, in the present moment’.
At Woodbridge School Prep, Mindfulness practice is a core part of its curriculum and culture. Teachers refer to Mindfulness practice in the classroom and around the school, and pupils know how to access this skill, wherever they are and whenever they find it necessary. They use their own Mindfulness practice in school and at home, and share their experiences of ‘best practice’, learning from each other.
Children at Woodbridge School Prep practice Mindfulness as a whole school, led by Head of Wellbeing, Kirsten Theobald, every week in assembly (either in the Hall or virtually), and Year 3 pupils follow a curriculum designed by the ‘Mindfulness in Schools Project’. The programme has been carefully crafted by classroom teachers and Mindfulness experts to engage young children, and is taught with striking visuals, film clips and activities that bring Mindfulness to life, without losing the expertise and integrity of classic Mindfulness teaching. This is followed up with a refresher programme in Years 4, 5 and 6, to revisit the curriculum and consolidate the learning.
The benefits of Mindfulness are far-reaching, and children at Woodbridge School Prep use it to:
– feel happier, calmer and more fulfilled
– communicate more effectively with others
– concentrate more fully, focus and make good decisions
– cope with stress and anxiety
– prepare for sleep and benefit from a better rest
– support performance, such as music and sport
Photo caption: Woodbridge School Prep pupils practise Mindfulness – chest and tummy breathing. [CREDIT: WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL PREP]
To view Woodbridge School Prep’s ‘Mindful Moments’ videos, visit the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/woodbridgeschool
This time of year can bring a nervous energy as the allocation of school places is eagerly anticipated but this year there will understandably be further queries and concerns given the Government imposed school shut down.
At Woodbridge School Prep we are in the fortunate position of being able to continue our curriculum provision through our online remote learning platform and our inspirational teachers who have been working so hard to ensure innovative and well-structured lessons are available to all. We understand that there is a balance to be struck between computer-accessed learning and practical activities and also the demands on parents working from home and supervising learning. We need to remember that we are genuinely all in this together!
The occasional interruption from a toddler during a video link or an audio call is to be expected and will probably add to the human connections that we are missing during this time.
Staff at WSP have planned for online interactive lessons, assemblies and live tutor time but, in addition, each lesson also has a clear lesson plan so that those who are unable to access the live timetable can make sure they do not miss anything if they need to access their learning at a later date.
Our usual curriculum, as detailed in our Long Term Plans, will be delivered so that children will be ready for the new academic year having covered the objectives of this year, despite the interruption of normal service. In addition to the core subjects there have been ingenious plans made for the continuation of lessons such as PE, Music, Drama, Spanish, ICT, Science, Food Technology, Engineering, Mindfulness, Forest Schools and House Competitions.
Our brand new, purpose built Pre-Prep Building has now been completed we are all very excited to move in and welcome our new Reception intake in September. New pupils are being assessed remotely for occasional places that are available in some year groups during this time, and we have a fun, remotely-interactive, session planned for Reception assessments that was postponed earlier in the year. As we look forward to welcoming some new students as the Trinity Term begins, should you have any questions about the possibility of a place for your child at Woodbridge School Prep, I would be more than happy to have a conversation with you and take you on a virtual tour.
Our community has been incredibly supportive of each other during this time and we really are working on a ‘business as usual’ format. Routine, focus, positivity, support and expectation all have a part to play in ensuring that our children, parents and staff are able to navigate the next few weeks and months as we prepare for a return to normal as soon as possible. I don’t think we will take the magic of school days for granted again for quite some time!
Nicola Mitchell
Head of Woodbridge School Prep