Thoughts from the Study
Community
Insights from behavioural economics and psychological research reveal that, as human beings, we have a deep need for connection, belonging, purpose, and meaning, particularly within our school, place of work, and local community. Leading in the education sector, presents a unique case, because the school, is the place of work, where a community come together in the single entity that is Broomfield.
Reflecting on the idea of community, and defining it here as a group of individuals with shared values, this week has been a testament to the strength of the Broomfield community and the holistic importance it brings to the school’s culture. This shared sense of purpose creates the wonderfully positive atmosphere for which I am immensely grateful.
A great example of this was Thursday morning, when we welcomed over 150 parents, friends, and grandparents to the Early Years Nativity plays and the Year 1 and 2 junior festive performance. I was so proud of all of the children. Eventbrite provided a data-driven indicator of demand for tickets to these events, with tickets (offered free of charge) ‘selling out’ in just over an hour after launch. In simple terms, it shows that people want to be in school. Just as the children often skip through the gates without even glancing back at their parents at drop-off, this enthusiasm reflects a shared desire to be part of the Broomfield community, with an energy and commitment to ensuring no one misses out.
I am, of course, naturally inclined to believe that Broomfield is the best prep school in London. While we have robust holistic data to support this claim, comparing at both national and local level, we also hear directly from the children through pupil voice initiatives and happiness surveys, which affirm that we are providing them with an excellent experience. However, what truly sets Broomfield apart, though less easily measurable, is our outstanding community. This sense of connection and shared purpose forms the foundation of everything we stand for and significantly enhances the school’s positive impact.
This sense of community was equally evident at our wonderful Christmas Market this morning, another extremely popular event well-organised by our active and supportive PTA. The school was jam-packed with attendees enjoying the festive atmosphere. Coffee at 7:30am on a Friday morning, chocolate crêpes, and a wide variety of stalls selling wares all helped, but the biggest factor was the opportunity to come together, to share ideas, check in, laugh, and perhaps buy some brightly coloured toys that we will soon regret. These moments remind us how great it feels to be part of a community made up of brilliant people.
For those of us fortunate enough to call Broomfield our place of work, this sense of community is something we experience every day. Whether in assemblies, classrooms, choir practice, the Dining Hall, on the sports field, or on stage, there is a tangible positivity in the air that makes us all feel greater than the sum of our parts.
Let me take this opportunity to thank you all (and my brilliant staff) for being so invested in our school, for your support, for sharing your ideas, and for ensuring that the link between school and home is strong and deeply rooted. Research often highlights the home school relationship as one of the biggest contributing factors to children’s learning and development, and I am grateful that this connection is firmly established at Broomfield.
As we head into the weekend, perhaps putting up Christmas trees at home or attending local community events, we now look forward to our Carol Service next week. This more formal occasion will give us another opportunity to come together, reflect, and celebrate what has been a truly superb year in the history of our school.
All the very best for the weekend.
Mr Anstey
Headmaster
On Tuesday last week, children from Years 2 - 6 gathered at St. Anne’s Church to kick off the festive season with our annual Christmas Carol Service. Each year group contributed beautifully, and we felt immense pride listening to their lovely singing and instrument playing. An extra ‘well done’ to Year 6 who read the nine lessons brilliantly, telling us the story of the birth of Jesus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this wonderful occasion.
On Tuesday last week, children from Years 2 - 6 gathered at St. Anne’s Church to kick off the festive season with our annual Christmas Carol Service. Each year group contributed beautifully, and we felt immense pride listening to their lovely singing and instrument playing. An extra ‘well done’ to Year 6 who read the nine lessons brilliantly, telling us the story of the birth of Jesus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this wonderful occasion. ...
A huge thank you to parents who supported the PTA in organising the Broomfield Christmas Market this year. There were beautiful gifts, delicious market food and a lovely community rendition of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’. Thank you to Halletts Estate Agents for sponsoring the event.
A huge thank you to parents who supported the PTA in organising the Broomfield Christmas Market this year. There were beautiful gifts, delicious market food and a lovely community rendition of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’. Thank you to Halletts Estate Agents for sponsoring the event. ...
This morning, the Junior School children impressed us with fabulous Nativity and Christmas performances. Kindergarten brought a unique twist with their charming roles as ladybirds, caterpillars, and even bees. 🐝 Each performance was a triumph!
This morning, the Junior School children impressed us with fabulous Nativity and Christmas performances. Kindergarten brought a unique twist with their charming roles as ladybirds, caterpillars, and even bees. 🐝 Each performance was a triumph! ...
We are excited to share that we won 1st prize for 3D group work (Key Stage 2) with our stunning mosaic at the ISA National Art Competition! Every child in school contributed to this art project. A huge congratulations also to Evelyn, whose tiger painting was highly commended. @isaartsuk
We are excited to share that we won 1st prize for 3D group work (Key Stage 2) with our stunning mosaic at the ISA National Art Competition! Every child in school contributed to this art project. A huge congratulations also to Evelyn, whose tiger painting was highly commended. @isaartsuk ...
Children are spending plenty of time exploring and enjoying the new garden. A favourite activity has been transforming fallen leaves into beautiful, creative decorations 🍂🍁.
Children are spending plenty of time exploring and enjoying the new garden. A favourite activity has been transforming fallen leaves into beautiful, creative decorations 🍂🍁. ...
Roasting marshmallows over the fire – what a fantastic way for Year 2 to end a busy week at school!
Roasting marshmallows over the fire – what a fantastic way for Year 2 to end a busy week at school! ...
Thanks to all Broomfield families for your generous donations to our local food bank. We also continued our tradition of our harvest boxes, which were delivered by our Year 6 children, staff and parent volunteers to the elderly in our local area. It was a heartwarming event, reminding us of the value of kindness and generosity during this season of harvest.
Thanks to all Broomfield families for your generous donations to our local food bank. We also continued our tradition of our harvest boxes, which were delivered by our Year 6 children, staff and parent volunteers to the elderly in our local area. It was a heartwarming event, reminding us of the value of kindness and generosity during this season of harvest. ...
Well done to Year 3 for creating these wonderful harvest cards which were given to the elderly in our community. The children worked on their water colour technique and collage skills. Fantastic work!
Well done to Year 3 for creating these wonderful harvest cards which were given to the elderly in our community. The children worked on their water colour technique and collage skills. Fantastic work! ...
To celebrate European Day of Languages we immersed ourselves in the rich culture of Flamenco. Thank you to Danielle from @DanceDaysLondon for delivering a great workshop.
To celebrate European Day of Languages we immersed ourselves in the rich culture of Flamenco. Thank you to Danielle from @DanceDaysLondon for delivering a great workshop. ...
From exciting activities to wonderful moments with friends, we are having such a fun week at Broomfield!
From exciting activities to wonderful moments with friends, we are having such a fun week at Broomfield! ...
We proudly joined our fellow Dukes schools in raising the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals flag, standing united in the global #TogetherForTheSDGs movement. We are committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of school life, shaping a greener future for our children and community. Special thanks to Dukes Sustainability Manager, Sally Cornelius for visiting us last week to discuss our sustainability strategy and goals for the upcoming academic year.
We proudly joined our fellow Dukes schools in raising the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals flag, standing united in the global #TogetherForTheSDGs movement. We are committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of school life, shaping a greener future for our children and community. Special thanks to Dukes Sustainability Manager, Sally Cornelius for visiting us last week to discuss our sustainability strategy and goals for the upcoming academic year. ...
Last week Thursday, Year 4 enjoyed a fun trip to Wimbledon Watersports. The sun was shining and everyone had a great day on the water, learning to sail and playing games in the kayaks. Despite the cold water, a number of children even jumped into the lake at the end of the day!
Last week Thursday, Year 4 enjoyed a fun trip to Wimbledon Watersports. The sun was shining and everyone had a great day on the water, learning to sail and playing games in the kayaks. Despite the cold water, a number of children even jumped into the lake at the end of the day! ...