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…

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.

12th July 2016 — It was a wonderful day on Sunday as SPS held their Flower Power Summer Festival, organised and run by the Friends of Staines Prep School. The festival attracted over 650 members of the school and the local community and fun was had by all.

It was also a momentous occasion for the school, as the recently refurbished Environmental Area was officially opened by The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Spelthorne Councillor Alfred Friday and his wife Kaye. 'The Sanctuary' as named by Taran S in 4E, will lend itself as a place of learning, reflection and opportunities for the whole of SPS.

Science Coordinator Miss Glynn said: "It was wonderful to have The Sanctuary officially opened today by Cllr Alfred and his wife. It has been months in the planning and many hours of hard work by staff, parents and pupils, and it's great that it has been recognised. It will be a great asset to the school and we're very excited to now be able to teach forest schooling here."

21st June 2016 — This week saw Staines Preparatory School enjoy Challenge Day. A day of useful, fun and entertaining activities which ranged from bushcraft skills to omelette making, circus skills to pilates and learning all about wild birds to building marshmallow towers.

The pupils also went out into the community and did litter picking, helping to preserve and maintain the area they are educated in. The object of the day was to get the pupils working together whilst learning lots of new skills and challenging themselves.

Deputy Head, Mr Donaldson said: "Challenge Day is really exciting for the pupils. They get to experience a wide variety of activities that are both mentally and physically challenging. It's also a great time for the pupils to appreciate the community that surrounds us. The event is a highlight in the Staines Prep calendar and is thoroughly enjoyed by both staff and pupils."