Page 4 - The Badger - Issue 8

THE BADGER Celebrating 125 Years of The Downs
Pre-Prep
What a fantastic year it has been for some of the smallest members of our wonderful school community! As we reflect on the past school year, it’s heartwarming to remember all the joyful moments, laughter, and incredible achievements shared among our pupils, especially those from Oaks through to Year 2.
We kicked off the year with great enthusiasm, as our children showcased their impeccable manners and confidence during our weekly Pre-Prep Celebration Assemblies. These assemblies are delightful occasions that we all look forward to every week. It’s a time when our parents are warmly invited to join us for tea, coffee, and biscuits, witnessing their little ones proudly sharing their awards from home.
It’s utterly heartwarming to see them receiving Brilliant Bee certificates for all sorts of wonderful accomplishments, not to mention the swimming certificates and the much-coveted golden spatula for exhibiting exemplary manners, trying new foods,
and simply being jolly good company at the lunch table. Let’s
not forget the sheer joy of hot chocolate or ice creams with the Headmaster for those fortunate enough to receive certificates - what a delightful treat!
During the Autumn Term, Years 1 and 2 had the opportunity to visit a local apple orchard in Colwall, where excitement filled the air. The children gleefully picked apples from the plentiful trees and engaged in the fascinating process of making apple juice from scratch. Their laughter and joy were infectious as they learned how to pulp the apples and use a barrel press to create a deliciously refreshing drink — and I must say, not a single drop was left by the time they returned to school!
Another delightful outing was to The Swan Theatre, where pupils from Reception to Year 2 joined their friends from Years 3 and 4 to enjoy the lively pantomime. The occasion was fabulously noisy, filled with laughter and plenty of very loud singing! While the Oaks were too young to attend the pantomime, they experienced their own special treat. They enjoyed a lovely walk to the local village where a warming hot chocolate awaited them on a chilly December morning - how lovely! This was soon followed by another splendid nativity performance from all our pupils aged 3 to 7.
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