Yarrells Preparatory School RNLI training

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Miranda Badham

Last week we presented certificates to all of Year 7 from the RNLI, and today we did the same for Year 6.Both groups of pupils recently attended the ‘Hit the Surf’ initiative set up by the RNLI.

Yarrells Preparatory School RNLI training

This is a very exciting project that offers students the opportunity to learn about surfing, lifesaving and the dangers around the beach in a real but safe environment.

Yarrells Preparatory School RNLI training

Our pupils received practical lessons in beach safety and surf-based skills and awareness from trained and highly experienced lifeguards and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Yarrells annual trip to Brittany

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Miranda Badham

Yarrells Year 6 pupils enjoyed a week out on a trip to France just before half term – they were treated to such a varied programme including dressing up on a French theme and eating snails to boot!

Yarrells Preparatory School – les escargots

Yarrells Preparatory School - le tir à l’arc

Yarrells Preparatory School parcours de santé

Yarrells Preparatory School – le parcours de santé

Yarrells Preparatory School - l’escrime

Yarrells Preparatory School – le canoë

Yarrells Preparatory School - le Mont St Michel

Yarrells Preparatory School au café

They returned in the sure knowledge that they can use the French they learn in class to communicate in a real life situation.

Reception at Avon Heath Country Park

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Miranda Badham

Reception thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Avon Heath Country Park. They began with a walk in woodland and heathland searching for mini-beasts.

Yarrells Preparatory School mini-beast

This was followed by a mini-beast picnic in glorious sunshine.

Yarrells Preparatory School Avon Heath group

During the afternoon they explored the adventure play area and ended with games and races on the green.

Year 4 trip to Montacute House

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Miranda Badham

Thankfully, the rain held off for the Year 4 annual trip to Montacute House on Wednesday. Year 4’s enjoyed the opportunity to make Tudor spice bags, write with a quill copying the Tudor alphabet and dress in traditional Tudor attire. Children saw one of the original Armada paintings which they have studied and guides were very impressed with the children’s foundation knowledge of the Tudor era. Children explored the galleries of Tudor paintings and the scullery before adjourning to the pudding house on the scavenger hunt of the grounds. They spilt into groups and explored the grounds searching for clues linked to the day’s learning.

The children enjoyed looking around the impressive gardens and at the water fountains and were most impressed with the Montacute estate. It was a lovely way to bring together all the Tudor learning of the year.

Under 8 Mini Tennis tournament

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Miranda Badham

Yarrells pupils shone at the annual Under 8 Mini Tennis tournament last week with our A and B Teams coming first and second overall!

4 teams took part in the event, including teams from Bournemouth Collegiate School. The ‘A’ Team won in convincing fashion, beating all 3 of the other teams, barely dropping any games, with very good performances in both singles and doubles. The team consisted of Louis Cunningham, Jake Fascione, Tom Shepherd and Jordan Toop on the boy’s side, along with Sophie Kenwright, Poppy Green, Bethan Davies and Freya Tudberry-Swain in the girls. The ‘B’ team consisted of Alexander Peaty, Nathaniel Merrell, Joseph Stickney and Cameron Talwar for the boys, as well as India McCrudden, Helen-Sophie Saunders, Ellie Thomas and Ellie Blakeway for the girls. Nathaniel Merrell put in a particularly strong performance, winning all his singles matches. Mr Darragh, Tennis Teacher commented “Many of the players were playing in their first competitive tennis matches and did really well. All of the children who took part enjoyed themselves and gained some valuable experience in a friendly and encouraging team atmosphere”

Injured hedgehog

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Miranda Badham

Written by Year 6

It was a sunny day at Yarrells Preparatory School when an injured hedgehog was discovered on Thursday 2^nd May. The helpless hedgehog was discovered in a Year 6 science lesson investigating different animals and their habitats around the school. The students immediately reported the tiny tragedy to a member of staff who thought there must have been an injury to a pupil. Once the immediate relief had passed the pupils went to inspect the injured hedgehog. One pupil reported, “I was heartbroken at the sight of the poor hedgehog”. Another pupil suggested we contact the RSPCA without delay to seek advice.

The RSPCA advisor told the students not to touch the mammal; Mr Lewis placed it in a soft dark bed in a quiet place, to give it time to recover. With a group of students on watch to ensure no predators could injure the vulnerable animal. The RSPCA animal collection officer would be with us in 2 ½ hours. Pupils carefully carried the distraught hedgehog into a quiet secret location. Signs were made to secure the area for the small mammal.The pupils waited anxiously checking between lessons to ensure it was safe until it was collected at 4:45pm. Most pupils had gone home at this point and a small group were relieved to pass on the injured animal to the RSPCA. The hedgehog had a lung infection which meant it could not curl up and protect itself. As a result he had been attacked by another animal and its injuries were almost fatal. The hedgehog will recover if it is regularly given antibiotics and cared for until it is fully recovered.We waved goodbye as Spike was carefully taken to recover.

It’s a memory Year 6 will cherish forever.