Weekly Newsletter

Thoughts from the Study

This week, I received an email from one of my teaching colleagues late on Wednesday evening. As you can imagine, Broomfield is always buzzing with activity, and the operations of the school often find their way into my inbox at all hours. This particular email was a joy to read before I switched off for the evening.

The email contained a message from a family, detailing their child’s remarkable progress in spelling. “I have attached a screenshot of their spelling work,” the email read. “At the beginning of the year, they could hardly form their letters and were not keen on writing. Yet, in just a few short weeks, they are now memorising weekly spellings and writing them with confidence. The parents did not expect to see this kind of progress so quickly, and it is truly a huge accomplishment.” Stories like this are not uncommon, but each one represents a milestone in a child’s development. It’s often these small yet significant achievements that have a profound impact on a child’s confidence and their self-belief in learning. I am extremely proud of all of the children at Broomfield, and moments of learning joy like this happen hundreds of times each week.

Earlier this week, our Kindergarten class took a culinary journey to Pizza Express. The children were transformed into mini pizza chefs, complete with aprons and chef hats. They were shown how to press the dough, spread the tomato sauce, and sprinkle cheese with precision before baking their creations. Of course, the highlight for them was tucking into the pizzas they had made themselves. While I missed the chance to sneak a slice, a wonderful moment for me was walking into the classroom afterwards to find the children completely captivated by a video showing how pizza dough is mass-produced. Their fascination was palpable, and it was clear they were deeply engaged in understanding how something as simple as pizza ties into larger processes in the world around them. Moments like these reinforce my belief in the importance of connecting classroom learning to the real world, fostering curiosity from an early age right through to Year 6.

On one of my walks this week, I found children and staff in Pre-Kindergarten using silk scarves in a movement session aimed at improving motor function and coordination. Despite being in Pre-K for only a few weeks, the atmosphere was calm, focused, and full of happy, enthusiastic children. In this short time, the progress is already evident. One family shared with me that their daughter is now confidently walking from the atrium doors to their classroom on their own, something they could not do just a few weeks ago. Hearing about the courage and independence emerging from our youngest learners is heartening and something we celebrate.

Meanwhile, this week, Year 5 faced a different challenge as they ventured to Go Ape for their team-building adventure. It was a day designed to test their resilience as they navigated the high ropes course. One story that particularly stood out was about a child who continuously encouraged their friends, offering help to those who needed a little extra time to find their footing at height. It is moments of support and teamwork like this that highlight the importance of not just academic growth but emotional and social development too.

And then this morning, despite the heavy rain, Year 1 ventured into our new outdoor learning space for their first Broomfield Forest School session. It was the first time I have seen the full Forest School tent set up, with the firepit in full flow. We introduced Forest School to our Early Years pupils last year, and it was such a success that we are now rolling it out to Year 1 and 2. It was wonderful to see the new space used as an outdoor classroom. This approach nurtures the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. It provides a safe, non-judgemental environment where the children are encouraged to take risks, explore, and connect with the natural world in meaningful ways.

These stories are just a snapshot of the learning taking place in school every day. Small achievements, whether in the classroom or on outdoor adventures, all contribute to the holistic development of the children. It is these small moments, that when added together, make a huge difference and shape a child’s journey through school and beyond.

Wishing you all the best for weekend.

Mr Anstey

Headmaster

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Reminders
and Notices

Whole School

Official Opening of the New Garden Area

Due to the adverse weather our event has been postponed. We will send a new event ticket once the new date has been confirmed.

 

 

 

 

Year 6

Year 6 Parents Evening 

On Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th October, Miss Curran, Mrs Ketel and Mr Anstey will have face-to-face meetings with the Year 6 parents. Mrs Doyle has shared an email for you to chose the slot that works for you.

 

Year 6 Victorian Projects – Parent viewing morning 

Year 6 parents are invited to join us at 8.30 am on Friday 11th October in the Dining Hall to view the amazing efforts of the Year 6 children in preparing exceptional Victorian projects, which they made over the holiday. It is a drop in informal walk about. We look forward to seeing you there. 

 

Open Events at Radnor House

Our colleagues at Radnor House have invited our parents and children for their Open Events. Please see their invites below:

Radnor House Whole School Open Morning on Saturday 5th October is bookable with time slots available to visit Radnor House School between 9am and 12noon. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the new Principal, Amy Cavilla, the academic team, our specialist subject teachers and pastoral department, and of course to enjoy some of the fun activities we have prepared for children, providing a taste of life at Radnor House.

Tickets to attend this event can be booked at Radnor House Open Morning Saturday 5th October.

 

On Tuesday 8th October at 9.00am a dedicated morning tour Exclusively for Dukes Prep School Families. A welcome and introduction from either the Principal or the Head will open the morning visit, followed by an opportunity to tour the school whilst in session on a regular morning. Whilst subject leaders will be timetabled to teach during this time, our admissions team will be on hand to answer any queries you may have.

Tickets are bookable via the link here Radnor House School Tour Tuesday 8th October 9:00am.

Year 5

Open Class Coffee Morning – Year 5

We would like to invite parents of our Year 5 children to come for our Open Class Coffee Morning on Friday 4th October. The Open Class gives parents the opportunity to see where their child sits and the classroom environment. Then parents are invited for coffee with some of our SLT team to discuss any questions you may have. 

Year 3 and Year 4

Open Class Coffee Morning – Year 3 and Year 4

We would like to invite parents of our Year 3 and Year 4 children to come for our Open Class Coffee Morning on Wednesday 9th October. The Open Class gives parents the opportunity to see where their child sits and the classroom environment. Then parents are invited for coffee with some of our SLT team to discuss any questions you may have. 

Year 1 and Year 2

Open Class Coffee Morning – Year 1 and Year 2 

A reminder that our Year 1 and Year 2 Parents are invited to school for our first Open Class Coffee Morning on Wednesday 2nd October. The Open Class gives parents the opportunity to see where their child sits and the classroom environment. Then parents are invited for coffee with some of our SLT team to discuss any questions you may have. 

Kindergarten

FOREST SCHOOL VISITING KINDERGARTEN 

Kindergarten are looking forward to welcoming the amazing Forest School for their interactive session with Scott on Friday 4th October from 9:45 – 11:45am. They will experience their outdoor learning exploring the natural environment, crafts and finishing the session with snack and songs around the campfire. We cannot wait for all the excitement. Please make sure that the children are wrapped up well for this as it will take place outdoors.

Dukes Plus

Webinar
 
‘The 5 Steps to Success’, Tuesday 15th October, 5pm – 6pm. 
 
With World Mental Health Day on the horizon we are pleased to bring you ‘The 5 Steps to Success’ Webinar from Brave the Rage. This step-by-step, sustainable, life-skills training workshop will help combat any issues with friendhships, anger, anxiety, and stress. This will include access to ‘Resource Packs’ support to increase parent’s confidence, raise emotional resilience and improve personal wellbeing.
For more information and to book, please click here: https://thedukesclub.com/Events/Club-Events/Event/id/211
Articles
Each week we’ll bring you a specially curated article on opportunities and experiences for you to enjoy.

PTA
Events

PTA's 1st Lower School Halloween Party!

We are delighted to announce BHS PTA’s 1st lower school Halloween party! This is open to Years PK-Year 2, and we hope many of you can join us, on the 2nd Sunday of half term. Please see flyer for details.

All School Christmas Social

The All School Christmas Social will be taking place on Friday 13th December at Gtech Community Stadium (where Brentford FC play, just over Kew Bridge).

Price: £57 including welcome drink, 3 course meal, DJ & Dancing

Please book directly with Brentford FC via this link (10% discount via code PTA10 until 1/11/2024): Christmas Social Booking form and payment

Instructions:

Please click on Christmas Party Nights 2024 and then “Christmas Party – Friday 13th December 2024”; you can order drinks packages If you wish but there is a large bar on the night.

Please add to the Special Request box – “Broomfield House School” so we are grouped together and also which year group you would like to be sat with at dinner.

Inter Class Mums Social

Last chance for tickets for the Inter Class Mums Social this term on Friday 18th October at NumberOne Duke Street; deadline October 4th. See flyer below:

Supporting the PTA Events

PTA Events 2024/25: To sign up to help support or lead on PTA events, here is a sign up sheet. We would be very grateful for all offers of help!

BHS Relay Triathlon Challenge

BHS Relay Triathlon Challenge- Spring 2025. Andrew Martin, Father to Melody & Ryan, is putting together teams of parents who would like to take part in a Triathlon Relay next Spring! Please see the attached flyer if interested- sign up by 30/9.

Highlights

Jeans for Genes

Last week Friday, children came to school in denim instead of their usual uniforms to support research and vital care for those living with life-altering genetic conditions. Children spoke about the importance of helping others and contributed to a meaningful cause.

Kindergarten Trip to Pizza Express

Kindergarten had a fantastic trip to Pizza Express.  The children became pizza chefs, they popped on their aprons and chef hats and created some marvellous pizzas. First, they pressed out the dough, next they carefully spread around tomato sauce and finally they delicately added cheese. The best part was eating them for lunch!

Go Ape Adventure

Year 5 went on an unforgettable trip to Go Ape on Monday, where we left behind the classroom for life in the trees. They soared through the treetops on zip lines and navigated challenging rope courses suspended high above the ground. They tackled obstacles with bravery and courage and faced their fears well outside their comfort zone.

Eco Club Hits the Streets!

With almost 48% of people admitting to dropping litter the amount of litter on our streets has increased by 500% since the 1960s and Broomfield’s Eco Club felt it was time to make a stand and make a difference.

On Monday 23rd September the Eco team put on their high visibility vests, gloves and with their little pickers in hand they hit the streets of Kew. In just one lunch hour the children removed drink cans, banana peels, tissues, cigarette butts, sweet wrappers, plastic pen lids, food packaging and even a nappy! They were focused and dedicated to the cause of cleaning the streets but all agreed that the world would be a better place if people stopped littering, so please remember to keep the streets clean.

A Fun Week in Year 4

Year 4 have had an interesting week with a messy science investigation and some performance poetry. The children learnt about the digestive system, following the food's journey through the body, represented by food, water, orange juice and vinegar being mushed up and squeezed through tights! They also explored rhythm and rhyme in poetry and worked in groups to perform a range of poems by James Carter.

After School Club Origami Paper Pokemon

Felix made Origami Paper Pokémon, specifically Origami Leafeon, in After School Club this week. He proudly showed us the intricate folds and details that capture the essence of the character.

Local Walk

The Year 1 class went for a walk to Kew Village last Friday, where they explored the local surroundings. The children were excited to visit the village, noticing the different shops and houses along the way. They enjoyed the fresh air and got to learn more about their community through fun discussions and observations.

Forest School

Year 2 had a fantastic time at Forest School, where they embraced nature and enjoyed hands-on activities. One of the highlights was learning how to safely cut wood. After working hard, the children gathered around the fire to enjoy freshly popped popcorn, a treat that made the day even more special.

Art Highlight

Year 2 created self portraits while improving their felt tip drawing skills.

Weekly Awards

Artist of the Week
Arya (Y2)
Music Star of the Week
Remy (Y6)
Drama Star of the Week
Oliver (Y1)
Sports Star of the Week
Occy (K)
Pre-Kindergarten: Bo - For a great attitude, and trying hard in phonics.
Kindergarten: Occy - For being a super kind friend this week! Well done Occy!
Year 1: Edie - For being incredibly kind and caring. Thank you for sharing your learning to help others succeed!
Year 2: Lara - You are always so kind and patient and you make it so easy for others around you to learn and work with you.
Year 3: Sophie - For always being a kind friend and a fantastic role model to her peers and the younger years. You are a superstar!
Year 4: Frankie - She always applies herself fully to her learning and the use of interesting vocabulary makes her work a joy to read.
Year 5: Luca - For his undisputed efforts in championing his friends when they faced their fears at Go Ape. Luca was very encouraging and kind to all of them.
Year 6: Emma - For her fantastic attitude in all of her learning and her exceptional manners!

Upcoming Events

Monday 30th Sep
Tuesday 1st Oct
Wednesday 2nd Oct

8:30 – 9am: Y1 and Y2 Open Class Coffee Morning 

2 – 3:30pm: Y5 Girls Netball V St Catherines 

2 – 3:30pm: Y5 Boys Football V KGP 

Thursday 3rd Oct
Friday 4th Oct

8:30 – 9am: Y5 Open Class Coffee Morning 

9:45 – 11:45am: Kindergarten Forest School (in school) – New Garden Area 

3:30pm – 8pm: Stagecoach 

Monday 7th Oct

3:30 – 7pm: Y6 Report Evening 1 

Tuesday 8th Oct

3:30 – 7pm: Y6 Report Evening 2 

Wednesday 9th Oct

8:30 – 9am: Y3 and Y4 Open Class Coffee Morning 

2 – 3:30pm: Y5 Girls Netball V St Catherines 

2 – 4pm: Y5 Boys Football V Radnor 

Thursday 10th Oct
Friday 11th Oct

8:30 – 9am: Y6 History Project Presentation in Dining Hall – Parents invited. 

9:45 – 11:45am: Pre-Kindergarten Forest School (in school) – New Garden Area 

3:30pm – 8pm: Stagecoach 

Playground Snapshots