5th March 2020 — Staines Prep was whisked away to a land of magic and fairy tales as author Abie Longstaff visited for World Book Day on Thursday 6th March.

Abie, author of The Fairytale Hairdresser, Magic Potions Shop and Trapdoor Mysteries series', visited Staines Prep school on World Book Day. Abie hosted a number of workshops with the children focusing on different elements of writing such as creating fun characters and how to convert ideas into a book. Abie also spoke to pupils in the Upper School about making mistakes in the creative process and how important it was to be open to change - ideas which complement our growth mindset culture well. Abie also hosted a wonderful Q&A session with our book club pupils and junior librarians and even had a bit of time for some book signing!

Throughout the week pupils from the Upper School visited the lower school to share a story and Ms Sawyer, hosted a special story time on World Book Day, reading The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe dressed as the White Witch herself.

Pupils dressed up as their favourite book characters and staff had the very difficult decision of picking a pupil from each year group to win the best dressed prize and a £5 book voucher.

9th November 2016 — The authors have recently written and published 'Defender of the Realm' as well as writing scripts for many popular children's televisions shows such as Danger Mouse, Peter Rabbit and Octonauts.

They talked to the children about how they first got into writing and the best ways to approach it. Mark went on to read an excerpt from the book before answering some of the questions the children had. 

The morning finished with a book signing which gave the children the chance to receive their own personally signed copy of the book, which they were all very excited about. 

Many thanks to Mark and Nick for giving up their time to inspire our pupils, the corridors were buzzing and the children are now desperate to pen their own stories.

11th October 2016 — Sometimes it can be difficult to bring certain subjects to life in the classroom. However, this week, Staines Preparatory School has been selected to take part in the new Google Expedition Pioneer Program which allows teachers to take their classes on virtual field trips. By immersing them in experiences that bring abstract concepts to life, pupils gain a deeper understanding of the world beyond the classroom.

Normally, pupils would be looking over photographs and computer slideshows, but instead today, they stood at the top of Chichen Itza, before examining the detailed carvings at Tenochtitlan in full 360 degree view.

Deputy Head Mr Donaldson said "This is a fantastic opportunity for us as a School to explore a new technology that can be applied in the classroom. It has been a very exciting morning watching the pupils' engage with each activity as they travel from the Pyramids to the Great Barrier Reef, and beyond. This experience is wonderful for inspiring pupils and providing a stimulating curriculum for all."

There was so much excitement bursting out of the room as each session took flight. The possibilities are endless: Next stop Mars…

6th October 2016 — It was such an honour to watch the finalists of the Upper School Poetry Competition perform today.

They were so impressive and really gave it their all. This resulted in a very difficult task for the judges; Head of Governors -  Mr Banister, Headmistress - Ms Sawyer, Acting Head of English at Lady Eleanor Holles School - Ms Evans.

After much deliberation the winners were announced as:

Year 3 - Matilda L

Year 4 - Sahib A

Year 5 - Lorna C

Year 6 - Avni L

Many congratulations to all of Upper School for taking part, it was a really wonderful display.

2nd October 2016 — It was an exciting morning as Lower School and Pre-Prep came together to perform a number of songs, stories and poems for their families to celebrate Harvest Festival.

It was a time to reflect on how fortunate we are and donate food parcels to those in need. We were joined by a representative from Besom, who provide a bridge between those who want to give and those in need.  She told the children and their families about how the donated food would be used.

The children performed incredibly well, especially as they have only been rehearsing for a couple of weeks and it was lovely to be joined by so many of their families.

8th September 2016 — Congratulations to those in Year 6 who were chosen this morning during Assembly to become Prefects, House Captains and Head Boy and Head Girl.

It was a very tough decision for the Staff of SPS as the whole of Year 6 are hard-working and dedicated individuals.

Congratulations to you all and what a wonderful way to commence your last year at SPS.