Thoughts from the Study
The Joy of Books
Spending some time around the school today was truly wonderful, engaging in some impromptu reading sessions with the children, particularly while dressed as a giant lion. The Pre-Kindergarten class was especially bemused when I walked in. Before long, as you can well imagine, I was swiftly overwhelmed by excited hands and the chasing of my lion’s tail. This experience not only adds an element of joy and excitement to the day (let us remember that prep school should be lot of fun!) but also reinforces the importance of reading in a creative and memorable manner to inspire a genuine love of reading in our children. We read “The Gruffalo” together, a book that I know is, or has been, a favourite for many.
Like many parents, I have taken great delight in sharing Julia Donaldson’s enchanting books with my daughter, Indigo. She selects her own bedtime story, with certain tales currently taking pole position as past adventures are temporarily set aside for the next. Although these stories have been brought to life through television animations, the undeniable charm of turning the pages of a physical book remains. The tactile experience of reading, feeling the paper between your fingers, and the anticipation of what the next page holds cannot be matched by digital means. I have always believed that this special connection with physical books fosters a deeper engagement with the story and its characters, making the reading experience all the more memorable. This is precisely why we have our school library; we want the children to have a space to read, to read together, in a space solely designed for reading. I always enjoy spending time sitting on the comfortable sofas with the children, listening to the books they are reading. The before-school care club that takes place in the library is a popular option for many families, and some quiet reading time is an excellent way to prepare for the learning to come.
In the context of our school’s commitment to literacy, highlighted by our adoption of the research-backed “Read, Write, Inc.” phonics and spelling schemes, it is also essential to recognise the role that parents play in this crucial educational journey. Regular reading at home, whether it is a beloved Julia Donaldson book or any other literature, fiction or non-fiction, complements the efforts made in school. It not only reinforces the learning outcomes but also strengthens the bond between parent and child through shared experiences and stories. I recently attended an excellent Dukes Club reading seminar led by an established phonics specialist and author who reminded me of the value of using a physical cookbook when baking at home (I am a below-average baker, if you were wondering). It is the simple act of reading from a book, and having your child see you do it, that can inspire them to do the same. I have since made a real effort to improve my baking and spend time with Indigo, reading the recipes together before, as per usual, completely ignoring them and making it up as I go along.
As research suggests, the benefits of reading to children from an early age are immense, encompassing cognitive development, language acquisition, and emotional intelligence. Reading physical books, in particular, can offer a more interactive and less distracting experience compared to digital alternatives, which can be beneficial for children’s attention and comprehension.
The school has felt truly alive today, with such an excellent array of costumes and literary characters from the world of books. I am very impressed and thank all of the parents who found the time to make their own costumes or to creatively search the internet for suitable fabrics. The children have had a marvellous day with the highlight being the Mead house cake sale still to come – the icing on the cake, as it were.
Delving into the world of books with the children is not just fun but also deeply meaningful, and World Book Day reminds us all of the boundless imagination that reading unlocks. As we approach the weekend, let this serve as a nudge to find a quiet moment to read, escape, and lose ourselves in a book. Whether it is revisiting a beloved classic, exploring a new adventure, or even following a recipe together, let us make reading a cherished part of family time.
As Walt Disney said, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate loot on Treasure Island.”
All the best for the weekend.
Mr Anstey
Headmaster
Happy Lunar New Year 2025!
Today, our Kindergarten children had some very special visitors as we celebrated the Year of the Snake! Parents joined us to share stories and traditions, giving the children a wonderful insight. The children particularly enjoyed the crafts, including making colourful snakes using balloons! 🐍 They also dressed in beautiful traditional outfits, enjoyed music, and danced to welcome the new year.
#LunarNewYear2025 #YearOfTheSnake #CulturalCelebrations #BroomfieldHouseSchool
Happy Lunar New Year 2025!
Today, our Kindergarten children had some very special visitors as we celebrated the Year of the Snake! Parents joined us to share stories and traditions, giving the children a wonderful insight. The children particularly enjoyed the crafts, including making colourful snakes using balloons! 🐍 They also dressed in beautiful traditional outfits, enjoyed music, and danced to welcome the new year.
#LunarNewYear2025 #YearOfTheSnake #CulturalCelebrations #BroomfieldHouseSchool ...
Building memories, one brick at a time. Happy International Lego Day from Broomfield! 🧱 #internationallegoday #creativeplay
Building memories, one brick at a time. Happy International Lego Day from Broomfield! 🧱 #internationallegoday #creativeplay ...
Every story has the power to transport us to another place.
Ahead of National Storytelling Week, we are celebrating our talented young writers at Broomfield.📕
#youngwriters
Every story has the power to transport us to another place.
Ahead of National Storytelling Week, we are celebrating our talented young writers at Broomfield.📕
#youngwriters ...
Happy New Year from all of us at Broomfield!
On Monday we kicked off the spring term with the Dukes Education Conference at Wembley. We are delighted to share that our Headmaster, Adam Anstey, and the school were honoured with the Wellbeing Initiative Award in recognition of the effective efforts to promote wellbeing among both children and staff.
This award is a true testament to what is one of the cornerstones of our philosophy and work at Broomfield.
With the theme “The Heart of Education” the conference provided a fantastic opportunity for professional development. Thought-provoking discussions explored the impact of AI, the future of education, and the critical importance of character development in shaping the young leaders of tomorrow.
Happy New Year from all of us at Broomfield!
On Monday we kicked off the spring term with the Dukes Education Conference at Wembley. We are delighted to share that our Headmaster, Adam Anstey, and the school were honoured with the Wellbeing Initiative Award in recognition of the effective efforts to promote wellbeing among both children and staff.
This award is a true testament to what is one of the cornerstones of our philosophy and work at Broomfield.
With the theme “The Heart of Education” the conference provided a fantastic opportunity for professional development. Thought-provoking discussions explored the impact of AI, the future of education, and the critical importance of character development in shaping the young leaders of tomorrow. ...
We are excited to welcome all our families back to school for another great term at Broomfield! 🌟
We are excited to welcome all our families back to school for another great term at Broomfield! 🌟 ...
At the end of the term, we reflect on many events, trips, and achievements. From the early days of settling into routines in Early Years to the progress made across all year groups, it’s been a wonderfully busy term.
Wishing all families a restful break! 🎄🌟
At the end of the term, we reflect on many events, trips, and achievements. From the early days of settling into routines in Early Years to the progress made across all year groups, it’s been a wonderfully busy term.
Wishing all families a restful break! 🎄🌟 ...
This week, on Wednesday, we welcomed M&M Theatrical Productions for a fun and engaging pantomime performance. The actors performed brilliantly, captivating both children and staff alike. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to immerse themselves in live theatre and enjoy a well-deserved treat in the last week of term.
This week, on Wednesday, we welcomed M&M Theatrical Productions for a fun and engaging pantomime performance. The actors performed brilliantly, captivating both children and staff alike. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to immerse themselves in live theatre and enjoy a well-deserved treat in the last week of term. ...
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 🍂🍁. ...