Kewlife 100

KEW LIFE
Issue 100
June 2021
The Newsletter of Kew Green Preparatory School
YEAR 4 OH WHAT A KNIGHT!
In pre-covid times, Year 4 put on their annual production in February. This academic year has been a bit topsy-turvy and the children were
adamant they weren’t going to let anything get in their way, the show must go on! So, all this term they have worked hard to learn their lines,
songs and dance moves culminating in an amazing show of ‘What a Knight!’ last Thursday. Following the story of a young wannabe knight and
a reluctant princess, the heroes beat the Black Knight and his evil henchmen to save the day, the sword Excalibur and Camelot. With
outstanding performances, beautiful songs and great comic timing, Year 4 themselves, not to mention enjoyed every minute of their wellearned
success. Well done all of you, we couldn’t be more proud. Miss Davies

YEAR 1 SANDWICH
MAKERS
Year 1 have had fun this half term learning about halves and quarters. For part
of this we used bread, jam and butter. We each took one piece of bread. We
spread the butter on and then we spread the jam on. (Some people chose not
to use jam because they don’t like it. Other people absolutely could not believe
that anyone could possibly not like jam.) Then we carefully cut the bread into
halves and then even more carefully into quarters to make a sandwich.
Everyone said that the best bit was definitely eating it at the end. Ayan said that
it was the best day of his life. Mrs Parry
YEAR 1 SPACE -OUT OF THIS WORLD
This term Year 1 has been learning all about Space. In humanities, we’ve been
talking about the 1969 moon landings and how Neil Armstrong was the first
human being to ever walk on the moon. In science we’ve been exploring the
solar system, looking at the different planets and discovering how they orbit the
sun. We explored how long each planet takes to orbit the sun, and how an earth
year is therefore longer than a year on Venus, but shorter than a year on Mars. To
help us with this we drew a small circle in the playground. This represented the
sun. Then we drew eight circles around the sun, each one larger than before.
These circles represented the orbits of each of the eight planets. The children
took it in turns to hold netballs, tennis balls, golf balls and table tennis balls.
These represented the different planets, with the netballs representing the large
gas planets and the smaller balls representing the smaller planets, like Mercury
and Earth. The children helped each other to stand on the correct orbit. Mr
James stood in the middle and pretended to be the sun. Once the children were
in the right position they took steps around the sun, being very careful to do the
same amount of steps as each other. This clearly showed us that each planet’s
year is a different length, depending on how far away they are from the sun. Then, for fun and to check how fabulous their knowledge of the
planets was, we played a game where the children had to jump on the correct orbit as quickly as possible, depending on which planet’s name
was called out. The rule was that they had to help each other, so there was lots of calling out and racing around. It was exhausting but proved
what impressive space knowledge Year 1 have! Mrs Parry
YEAR 2 & 3 AT THE WETLANDS CENTRE
On Monday, 24 th May, Year 2 went to visit the London Wetlands Centre
where they learnt all about minibeasts and their habitats. A highlight of
the day was definitely the pond-dipping where they found an array of
interesting creatures of all shapes and sizes! They then had to classify their
creatures by looking very carefully at their features. Each group worked
well together to learn more about what they found and the different layers
of living in a pond. Miss Barclay
On Wednesday, 19 th May, Year 3 students were bursting with excitement as they arrived at school, ready to head off on their first school trip
of the year. With forecasted thunderstorms, we were ready for a day of fun at the Barnes Wetland Centre, but much to our surprise the sun
was shining. The students participated in a learning session where they looked at how various pond animals survive in their habitat. We
went pond-dipping and were able to catch animals, transfer them to an observation tray and use an ID chart to identify the animal. The
students were super investigators and became experts on the animals they caught! We then headed on a walk through the wetlands to the
adventure playground. The students were buzzing around playing, enjoying the sunshine and even zip lining through the park on the flying
fox. We learnt so much exploring the wetlands and enjoyed spotting the variety of wildlife we have on our doorstep! Mr Searle

YEAR 4 GET AWAY FROM IT ALL
On the 17 th May, Year 4 were the first year group to get to go on residential since 2019! After five hours on the coach we arrived in Devon
for the next five days. Unsurprisingly, it was raining. We didn’t let that stop us though and after being shown around our new
accommodation we went for a walk on the moor to the top of a hill. It was all worth it as we played a great game and returned for a for a
well-deserved yummy dinner! Over the next few days we got to go kayaking, learned forest skills, jumped off the leap of faith and went
crabbing. Laurie caught the biggest crab of the week, it was huge! Every day was filled with fun activities and delicious food, breakfast was
our favourite! Needless to say we were very tired upon our return to school, but we can’t wait to do it all again next year! Miss Davies
YEAR 5 CARRY ON CAMPING
During the last week of term, Year 5 travelled down to Dorset where we set up camp for a fun week of activities. The weather was somewhat
determined to get in our way at the start of the week but soon the sun broke through and we were able to enjoy all our activities without
needing to pack that extra waterproof. The children showed great resilience and determination, overcoming a range of challenges and
personal fears, whilst rock climbing, kayaking, coasteering and fishing. They developed their wilderness skills by making fires in the wood and
loved the opportunity to take archery to the next level with masks and foam ended arrows – even the teachers couldn’t resist getting involved.
On Thursday evening, staff and children were treated to a range of performances in the KGPS’s Got Talent – Dorset Audition round. The
children showed great confidence and charisma in their performances and the judges (teachers) congratulated everyone but choose 4 acts to
go through to travel to London the following day; actually they decided everyone should go to London and we made a safe return, if not
somewhat more dishevelled and tired that when we departed. No doubt all involved needed this half term to rest and recuperate for our
forthcoming final half term in school. Year 5 Camping team

GEOGRAPHY WEEK IS STRONG!
Earlier this term, as unsuspecting pupils entered the school on the first day of geography week, they were instantly transported to untamed
savannas, mysterious rainforests and atmospheric oceans. Thanks to the immersive displays and real-world sounds effects, each floor of Kew
Green was transformed to represent a particular biome. Throughout the week, pupils were exposed to the sights, sounds and myths of our
planets most untamed and mysterious environments, while learning about weather patterns, biodiversity, and human impact on nature.
Pupils were challenged to think like geographers and created some truly remarkable work relating to mathematical data, descriptive writing
and mapwork. Pupils created incredibly detailed 3D models and I was very impressed by an open-world biome on Minecraft.
The exciting week was rounded off by a special visit from some interesting creatures from around the world, including a giant snail and
snake that any pupil would be proud to call a friend. I am certain that all involved finished the week feeling more connected to the world
around them and an eagerness to learn more about the wonderful world of geography. Gregory Searle
FIXTURES ARE FINALLY BACK!
The start of the summer term has seen
the much-anticipated return of school
fixtures. The children have been
absolutely buzzing with excitement and
we have already managed a whopping
27 matches this half term alone, winning
14 drawing 4 and losing 9. We have been
playing rounders and cricket fixtures
against several different schools and the
children have all done a fantastic job both
in terms of their teamwork and
application of skills. This year we have
been teaching cricket and rounders on
the green with boys and girls mixed. It
has been a big success with everyone
having great fun whilst learning and
perfecting their skills in each sport. I
cannot tell you how nice it is to see the
children playing sport and having fun
together again. We have missed it so
much! Mr Harrington
Year 4 celebrate their victory against Falcons, winning 168-137!

YEAR 6 AND THEIR FINAL RESIDENTIAL
It is easy to underestimate the impact of a residential trip, until you see Year 6 throwing themselves into to everything on offer at Moorland
Hall. The fact that it was literally bucketing down with rain and freezing for the first half of the week made little difference to the children's
bravado. Spending a week with Year 6 is a privilege. They laugh readily, support each other unwaveringly and embrace fun and laughter at
every opportunity. They stand together as good friends and even for the most challenging activities, which this year was the leap of faith at a
terrifying height, they all want each other to succeed. Our day on the beach body boarding and walking along the cliffs to our beach BBQ
supper at Crackington Haven gave us all a sunbaked, healthy glow just before we returned to school. As ever, Moorland Hall lived up to
expectations. Jem Peck
LAST RESIDENTIAL TO OLD RESIDENTS!
I was at Kew House for a meeting recently and a young man tapped me on the shoulder and said 'Hello Mr Peck, how are you?' It took me
a fraction of a second to recognise Oscar B, a former pupil of Kew Green who is now, as he told me graciously, Head Boy. I could not help
but grin widely at Oscar's overall persona, his warm, confident smile and sharp dress sense. He was full of questions about Kew and
genuinely keen to know how I and the teachers he would have known are doing. Likewise, I was fascinated to hear of his accolades at Kew
House and smiled even wider
when he said that Maisie L,
also a former Kew Green
pupil, was currently Head Girl.
I was chatting to the Head at
Kew House, Mr Williams,
about the appointment of the
two of them. He also grinned
and said how worthy they
both where of their titles.
Above all I felt an enormous
amount of pride for Oscar and
Maisie both of whom I knew
so well during their years at
Ke w G re e n Pre p a r a t o r y
School. To the right is a
grinning Oscar with a group
of former Kew Green children
who joined Kew House in Year
7 last September, and are
flourishing there too. Jem
Peck

MAYORAL ELECTION CANDIDATES
Whilst adults in London were deciding
which mayoral candidate would get
their vote, KGPS pupils were making
their own decision. Each class read
about the candidate’s suggestions and
made their choice with a cross. Shaun
Bailey and Count Binface proved
popular choices but the overall winner
was Vanessa Hudson of the Animal
Welfare Party. Vanessa even tweeted
her pleasure at being the children’s
winner, ‘This has brought tears of joy to
my eyes!’ British values and kindness
towards animals are thriving.
FRENCH CUISINE
IS A BIG HIT!
Year 3 have been learning food vocabulary and shopping dialogues
this half term. We brought language to life in the classroom with une
boulangerie et un petit marché de fruits et légumes, selling anything
from croissants to cabbages and using euros.
The children were impressive and managed to maintain short
dialogues and converse with one another in simple French to buy
their chosen items. To spice things up a bit, one group included un
voleur and the local gendarmerie in their skit. Further drama was
afforded with a gaffe by Madame Thorpe-Woods who was less than
impressive. She had accidentally picked up a un oeuf cru rather than
l’oeuf dur (hardboiled one) she had intended to use in 3G’s skit,
resulting in un oeuf cassé. Oh, là là quelle catastrophe! Madame
Thorpe-Woods
CHORAL POETRY COMPETITION
This year’s choral poetry competition was, of course, via Zoom
and involved every child from Year 1 to 6 performing a piece of
poetry as part of a class or small group. In Upper School, the
children competed against the English groups in their year
whilst in Lower School, Year 1 and Year 2 took part in a sharing
assembly of their performances. The poetry was judged by Mr
Peck, Mrs Gillett and Madame Thorpe-Woods and it was clear
to see they had a tough time deciding on the winners. It was a
great celebration of poetry and group recital. There was much
humour and some very tricky poetry that was interpreted
eloquently. Miss Spencer
AND FINALLY…
It is so good to be getting back to normal in school. The children are highly motivated and our usual deep, broad, creative, enriched and
academically challenging curriculum is in full flight. I look forward to welcoming you back for the final half term of the school year. I also hope
that it will involve parents coming into school so we can be truly reconnected! Jem Peck, editor.
www.kgps.co.uk

Summer Results Half Term 1 - 2021
Date Team Fixture
Most Valued
Player
Score
Win / Loss
04/05/21 Y4
Mixed Cricket A vs Newland Z. Gibson
House
A. Lindh Llusia
142-131 W
04/05/21 Y4
Mixed Cricket B vs Newland MJ. Schreuder
House
T. Arantas
145-143 W
04/05/21 Y4
Mixed Cricket C vs Newland C.Peppiatt
House
M,Mevlin
139-139 D
04/05/21 Y4
Mixed Cricket D vs Newland S.Fulcher
House
F.Valvona
143-120 W
04/05/21 Y4
Mixed Cricket E vs Newland A.Patel
House
N.Thompson
140-140 D
06/05/21 Y5
Mixed Cricket A vs Newland D. Swaine
House
G. McCall
156 – 152 W
06/05/21 Y5
Mixed Cricket B vs Newland M. Frost
House
I. Thomson
156 – 147 W
06/05/21 Y5
Mixed Cricket C vs Newland H. Birkin
House
L. Graham
149 – 151 L
06/05/21 Y5
Mixed Cricket D vs Newland M. Cheadle
House
D. Ewart
111 – 120 L
06/05/21 Y5
Mixed Cricket E vs Newland B. Kerr
House
S. Tansey
138 - 128 W
10/05/21 Y6 Mixed Cricket A vs RPPS J. Skan-Turner 127 - 168 L
10/05/21 Y6 Mixed Rounders A vs RPPS T. Jhanji 6-7 L
10/05/21 Y6 Mixed Rounders B vs Rpps H. Shine 5-8 L
11/05/21 Y4
Girls Rounders A vs Newland
House
MJ. Schreuder 8 – 7.5 W
11/05/21 Y4
Girls Rounders A vs Newland
House
A. Wooton Mcinnes 8-7 W
11/05/21 Y4 Boys Cricket A vs Falcons J. Blundell 168 - 137 W
11/05/21 Y4 Boys Cricket B vs Falcons O. Maaytah 148 - 151 L
13/05/21 Y5 Boys Cricket A vs Falcons E. Max 171 – 166 W
14/05/21 Y6 Boys Cricket A vs St Benedicts
J. Skan – Turner
G. McCall
118 – 126 L
14/05/21 Y6 Boys Cricket B vs St Benedicts K. Bhaskar - Hearn 97 – 161 L
14/05/21 Y6 Girls Rounders A vs OHS L. Crossley 11 - 11 D
14/05/21 Y6 Girls Rounders B vs OHS L. Baker 11.5 - 7 W
20/05/21 Y6 Boys Cricket A vs Falcons R. Dooley 138 - 102 W
20/05/21 Y6 Boys Cricket B vs Falcons I. Best 128 - 152 L
28/05/21 Y3 Mixed Cricket vs Broomfield
28/05/21 Y3 Mixed Cricket vs Broomfield
28/05/21 Y3 Mixed Cricket vs Broomfield
P. Powell Cotter
M. Crossley
R. Francis Riley
E. Kondal
F. Lee
J. Melvin
61 – 29 W
66 – 66 D
27 - 21 W