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
We are proud of our Year 6 children who noticed an alarming amount of rubbish on the beach in Spain and decided to take action. The children were able to gather a significant amount of rubbish. It was great to see Broomfield’s eco credentials extending beyond the school grounds – even on holiday! #litterpick #environmentalawareness #prepschooltrip #spainschooltrip
We are proud of our Year 6 children who noticed an alarming amount of rubbish on the beach in Spain and decided to take action. The children were able to gather a significant amount of rubbish. It was great to see Broomfield’s eco credentials extending beyond the school grounds – even on holiday! #litterpick #environmentalawareness #prepschooltrip #spainschooltrip ...
Exciting news – we are launching Broomfield Community Videos! 🎥 Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing heartfelt videos from our parents, staff introductions, and of course, some special moments with our pupils. Stay tuned for an inside look at what makes Broomfield such a unique and supportive community! #prepschoolinrichmond #prepschoolinkew #broomfieldfamily #broomfieldcommunity #prepschoolcommunity #prepschooltestimonial #parenttestimonials #prepschoollife
Exciting news – we are launching Broomfield Community Videos! 🎥 Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing heartfelt videos from our parents, staff introductions, and of course, some special moments with our pupils. Stay tuned for an inside look at what makes Broomfield such a unique and supportive community! #prepschoolinrichmond #prepschoolinkew #broomfieldfamily #broomfieldcommunity #prepschoolcommunity #prepschooltestimonial #parenttestimonials #prepschoollife ...
Broomfield House School has once again been included in the Spear’s Magazine Schools Indices this year. The indices have been compiled by Spear’s in collaboration with their expert partners at Thuso and a panel of independent educationalists from around the world.
For the second consecutive year, our outstanding educational provision has been recognised in this prestigious guide, featured alongside St Paul’s Juniors, Dulwich Prep London, and Westminster Under School.
Broomfield House School has once again been included in the Spear’s Magazine Schools Indices this year. The indices have been compiled by Spear’s in collaboration with their expert partners at Thuso and a panel of independent educationalists from around the world.
For the second consecutive year, our outstanding educational provision has been recognised in this prestigious guide, featured alongside St Paul’s Juniors, Dulwich Prep London, and Westminster Under School. ...
Outstanding 11+ results once again! We celebrate another year of exceptional senior school offers and scholarships this week. With our renowned, carefully tailored approach, we provide families with expert guidance. Our highly effective process achieved an incredible 97% accuracy in predicting Year 6 offers, a testament to our deep understanding of each pupil’s potential and aspirations. Well done Year 6, we could not be more proud! #11plussuccess #celebratingyear6 #11plusprep #11plusresults #leaversdestinations #prepschoolinkew #prepschoolinrichmond
Outstanding 11+ results once again! We celebrate another year of exceptional senior school offers and scholarships this week. With our renowned, carefully tailored approach, we provide families with expert guidance. Our highly effective process achieved an incredible 97% accuracy in predicting Year 6 offers, a testament to our deep understanding of each pupil’s potential and aspirations. Well done Year 6, we could not be more proud! #11plussuccess #celebratingyear6 #11plusprep #11plusresults #leaversdestinations #prepschoolinkew #prepschoolinrichmond ...
We are celebrating World Book Day with a truly special treat this year! Following the success of yesterday’s incredible Dukes Great British Bake Off, we are launching our first-ever Dukes Great British Bake-Off Recipe Book with families this week.
Finalists from across the Dukes family showcased their delicious, book-inspired bakes to a panel of judges at Dukes House, and their creations were simply too yummy to resist! From magical cakes to literary-themed pastries, the creativity of all the finalists was nothing short of extraordinary.
We were delighted to be joined by Aatif Hassan, Chairman and Founder of Dukes Education, and Tim Fish, UK CEO, who celebrated the children’s fantastic creations alongside us.
A huge thank you also to all the English departments who took part, celebrating not just baking, but the love of books and storytelling through food. And last but not least, a special thank you to Lauren Carver Williams, Head of KS1 at Broomfield House School, for her incredible work in organising this event!
@dukes_education @bassetthouseschool @broomwood_preprep @copperfieldverbier @dhsprep @eatonhouseschools.themanor @knightsbridge_school @radnorhouseprepschool @pointerschool
We are celebrating World Book Day with a truly special treat this year! Following the success of yesterday’s incredible Dukes Great British Bake Off, we are launching our first-ever Dukes Great British Bake-Off Recipe Book with families this week.
Finalists from across the Dukes family showcased their delicious, book-inspired bakes to a panel of judges at Dukes House, and their creations were simply too yummy to resist! From magical cakes to literary-themed pastries, the creativity of all the finalists was nothing short of extraordinary.
We were delighted to be joined by Aatif Hassan, Chairman and Founder of Dukes Education, and Tim Fish, UK CEO, who celebrated the children’s fantastic creations alongside us.
A huge thank you also to all the English departments who took part, celebrating not just baking, but the love of books and storytelling through food. And last but not least, a special thank you to Lauren Carver Williams, Head of KS1 at Broomfield House School, for her incredible work in organising this event!
@dukes_education @bassetthouseschool @broomwood_preprep @copperfieldverbier @dhsprep @eatonhouseschools.themanor @knightsbridge_school @radnorhouseprepschool @pointerschool ...
@splatttheatrecompany visited us last week to take our Year 3 children on a journey to Ancient Greece. The performance was great fun and taught the children all about King Polydectes engagement feast, the Grey Sisters and Medusa’s statues. #greekday
@splatttheatrecompany visited us last week to take our Year 3 children on a journey to Ancient Greece. The performance was great fun and taught the children all about King Polydectes engagement feast, the Grey Sisters and Medusa’s statues. #greekday ...
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. ...