A leading independent prep school in Somerset, offering excellence in education for 2-13 year olds
It was a pleasure to welcome back our 2020 leavers for a get together on the Front Terrace last week. This brilliant group of pupils – who between them went onto 11 different schools including Canford School, Blundell’s, King’s Bruton, Sherborne Girls and Taunton School – missed out on the usual leavers’ events due to Covid. Needless to say, we loved having them back and hearing their stories about life at senior school.
Pre-Prep Prize Giving took place in the Grundy Hall on Friday, with the Year 2 children taking us on a wonderful trip down memory lane. From their first day at school to the friends they have made along the way, they each spoke beautifully as they recited their favourite memory of Pre-Prep. There was singing in the form of French songs and the children performed their special leavers’ song, too. Well done to Inigo in Year 1, who won this year’s House Points Cup, and to all the children in Year 2 who received prizes with a citation from the Headmaster and Pre-Prep staff. We are so proud of you all.
Year 8 performed their leavers’ play last week, which was a stellar production of J. Meade Faulkner’s 1898 novel ‘Moonfleet’, adapted for the stage by Mr Shortman. The acting was phenomenal and it felt very special to bring this local story to new audiences at Perrott Hill. Very well done to all our Year 8 pupils who were absolute superstars, and a massive thank you to the show’s directors, Sarah and Aaron from The Drama Club in Stratford-upon-Avon, to folk musician Tim Laycock, and to all the staff involved at school. It was brilliant!
One of our favourite events of the year – the much-loved Grandparents’ Tea Party – took place on the Front Terrace last Wednesday. It was such a joy to see the children’s faces as they led their grandparents off around the school, before enjoying a delicious afternoon tea and a short concert by our wonderful musicians. Our favourite number from their set? ‘Tea for Two’ of course… Many thanks to everyone involved in such a special afternoon.
Years 6 and 7 enjoyed a brilliant trip to France recently, where they were hosted by the wonderful Maison Claire Fontaine staff in Burgundy. As well as visiting the towns and villages of Avallon, Flavigny and Vézelay, they also toured le Château de Bussy Rabutin and took part in various workshops and competitions – all in French, bien entendu! Congratulations to Alice and Euan who were chosen as the two Perrott Hill ambassadors in recognition of their hard work and superb attitudes throughout the week, and to all of Years 6 and 7 who did themselves and the school proud. Un grand merci à Madame Brooks, Mr Finch, Mrs Tarrant et Miss Foice. Les enfants sont rentrés avec des souvenirs plein la tête et ont fait beaucoup de progrès à l’oral!
Congratulations to the ten finalists who took part in our annual Year 5 Storytelling Competition in the Library. Pupils had to write and recite their own stories based on Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Just So’ series and it was lovely to see such creativity and imagination on display. Well done to Alvin, Willoughby and Milly who came 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively – and a big thank you to Mr Silk and our adjudicator, Mark Hambleton, Head of English at King’s Bruton.
Our senior choir and musicians took to the stage at the Beaminster Festival last week, performing a half hour set in the glorious St Mary’s Church. Following this, they were lucky enough to listen to and then take part in a Q&A session with the pupils of the internationally renowned Yehudi Menuhin School, who told them all about their favourite composers, starting out as musicians and what it’s like to attend one of the best music schools in the world. Many thanks to Mr Shortman and the organisers of the festival for a truly magical morning of music.
Nursery and Reception have been learning all about animals this half term. Last week, their learning was brought to life by a fantastic visit from the wonderful Axe Valley Wildlife Park. The children got to hold and stroke animals including an African land snail, a bearded dragon and a royal python called Percy! Plus, keep your eyes peeled for a story about the day a T-Rex came to school.
Some exciting news to share on behalf of our ‘parents and friends’ cricket team, The Perrott Hill Plodders… At their recent match against Hardington and West Coker at North Perrott Cricket Club, the Headmaster presented John Grundy with his cap as newly appointed President of The Plodders. John is the son of Perrott Hill’s founder, Mr Bill Grundy, and a lifelong cricket fan. Needless to say, the team are delighted to have John on board. Soon after, Sparkford CC was the venue for The Plodders’ inaugural fixture against The Sandpipers. Thank you to Sparkford for allowing the team to use their ground and for bringing out the bunting! Last week saw not one but two Plodders’ matches against Bow House Cricket Club at Sherborne School and then v The Port Rejects at North Perrott CC.
We recently hosted our Pre-Prep Sports Day – a slightly smaller version of the Prep School event but with no less mettle! Very well done to all our Pre-Prep children who jumped, threw and ran their socks off, and to our brilliant Pre-Prep and Games staff for their support and guidance on the day and in the run up. It was especially lovely to see our Year 8 pupils supporting and encouraging the little ones; something that makes us all proud to be Perrott! Go, Pre-Prep!
