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Prep School Newsletter

  • Year 2 Charcoal Drawings

    Jan 2019
    Year 2 has been seeing Science through Art!
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  • Superstars and Courtesy Badges

    Jan 2019
    Congratulations to this week's winners.
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  • Staff Profile: Mr Davey

    Jan 2019
    Mr Davey Head of PE and Boys' Games
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  • Pre-Prep PE and Games

    Jan 2019

    Year 1 has been having fun in their PE lessons over the last three weeks. Mr Davey has set them the task of inventing their own games, using a variety of equipment from the PE cupboard. It’s a great way for our younger pupils to develop an understanding of sports and games. They now kn...

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  • Super Self-Portraits 

    Jan 2019
    2C has been studying the art of the self-portrait.
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  • Sensory Collage

    Jan 2019

    After hearing the story Lucy's Picture by Nicola Moon, Amy selected the collage pieces to make her own picture designed for a blind person, linked to Reception&rsq...

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  • Musical Imaginings

    Jan 2019
    In our Music lesson last week, we were thinking about how music can inspire us and spark our imagination. The children closed their eyes and listened in silence to a piece of music.
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  • Online Safety

    Jan 2019
    Next Tuesday is Internet Safety Day. In the lead up to the day, do take a look at some tips and information below to help your child be more safe online.
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  • Head of Pre-Prep's Lines

    Jan 2019
    Building firm foundation in the Early Years is vital in preparing our pupils with a wide skillset that will support them for life. These building blocks will enable SVPS children to flourish in whatever situations they find themselves.
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  • Head of Department Profile: Mrs Geering

    Jan 2019

    What interests you in your subject?

    Music has always been my passion and I am very lucky to be able to be able to work in this area.  As Director of Music, I oversee all musical activity at SVPS and I love the variety of the role. A typical day involves teaching cl...

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  • Peaceful PSHE

    Jan 2019

    Every PSHE lesson in 1D begins with ‘mindful circular breathing’: try it for yourself, never let the circle of breath stop. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Put your hands on your tummy and feel your lungs going up and down. Sit with a straight back and your legs crossed ...

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  • Curiosity Club

    Jan 2019

    The Lent Term Curiosity Club offered the opportunity for our pupils to extend their learning and explore new topics. Each activity was carefully planned to ensure the children were challenged and absorbed in their learning.

    The Year 1 and Year 2 pupils enjoyed designing waterproof shelt...

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  • National Number Day 2019

    Jan 2019
    SVPS will be supporting the NSPCC by taking part in National Number Day on Friday 1st February. Our mathematical fundraising will consist of two activities.
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  • Reception Literacy

    Jan 2019
    Mrs Glover’s pupils have been exploring speech bubbles in Literacy this week.
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  • Marvellous Maidstone Museum

    Jan 2019
    Year 1 pupils had hands-on immersion into mummification and the delights of the Egyptian galleries at Maidstone Museum last week.
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  • Academic Deputy Head’s Lines

    Jan 2019
    As I stood in my garden in the early hours of darkness earlier this week, I looked up at the magnificent blood moon, beaming down in all its glory and it reminded me how important it is to look up, to aim high.
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  • Deputy Head's Lines

    Jan 2019
    Just before we came back to School last week, I came across the following quote by the author, Neil Gaiman, which I think ties in perfectly with our ethos that each cares for all and individuality is cherished:
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  • Head of Department Profile: Mrs Barr

    Jan 2019
    Sally Barr, Head of English and Drama.
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  • Super Stars and Courtesy Badge Winners

    Jan 2019
    Congratulations to this week's winners.
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  • A week in the life of the Prep French Department

    Jan 2019
    As usual, the Prep children have been very busy in their French lessons this week, with a wide and varied range of activities taking place across the year groups.
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  • Excited about English

    Jan 2019

    This term, in Year 5 English we have been working on The Lost Happy Endings, by Carol Ann Duffy. The book has fabulous descriptive language, including wonderful similes and metaphors.  The illustrations, by Jane Ray, are also superb.  The story features Jub, whose job is to sha...

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  • Measuring in Maths

    Jan 2019
    This week Year 1 have been discovering why there is a need for standard units of measurement.
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  • All Around Art

    Jan 2019
    In Design Technology Year 3 have been making use of many marvellous skills to create 3D monsters.
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  • Who Needs Ratio?

    Jan 2019
    Year 6 have been making their own ‘mocktails’.
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  • Ratio and Proportion

    Jan 2019
    Year 6 has been looking at ratio and proportion.
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  • Fun with Fractions

    Jan 2019
    Year 4 has been looking at fractions in their Mathematics lessons.
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  • Head's Lines 11th January

    Jan 2019
    It has been fantastic to see the children racing into school each morning this week, ready to embrace all that 2019 has to offer! I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the pupils’ holiday adventures and seeing them knuckle down to their learning with such enthusiasm!
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  • Head of Department profile

    Jan 2019
    Mr Jon Evans – Head of ICT at Sutton Valence Prep School for 10 years
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  • Swim Relay Trophies

    Jan 2019
    The Maidstone Riverside Rotary have confirmed Sutton Valence has won two trophies in the annual Swim Relay,
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  • Super Stars and Courtesy Badge Winners

    Jan 2019
    Congratulations to this week's winners.
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  • Superstars and Courtesy Badges

    Dec 2018
    Congratulations to this week's winners
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  • Wildlife Winners

    Dec 2018
    Nearly forty children in Year 3 to 6 entered the Prep School Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition this year. Last week, the winners were announced, after a couple of weeks of judging from all members of the School community.
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  • From the Head of Pre-Prep

    Dec 2018
    This is a wonderful time of year to be a child. Christmas magic is in the air and the Nativities have begun in a busy last two weeks for the Pre-Prep calendar.
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  • SVPS at Snow White

    Dec 2018
    It is December, which means it is panto time!  On Tuesday, 150 'panto-ready' Prep children were escorted to Aylesford, in three double-decker buses!
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  • Fantastic Fundraisers

    Dec 2018
    A group of Year 4 children planned, organised and ran a fundraising event in the Prep School in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice, which raised an impressive £362.67.
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  • Monstrous Moving Mechanisms

    Dec 2018
    Year 3 have had a great deal of fun while they found out about pneumatic systems in DT.
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  • Foundation Art Exhibition

    Dec 2018
    The annual Foundation Art Exhibition at the Tanya Baxter Contemporary Gallery featured an array of wonderful artworks from Sutton Valence and the four other schools under the Westminster Foundation umbrella.
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  • French Play

    Nov 2018
    On Thursday, it was French theatre day for our children in Years 5 and 6. For the third year running, Onatti Theatre Company treated us to a very energetic and amusing performance by two actors: one French-speaking and one English.
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  • Maidstone Charity SwimRelay

    Nov 2018

    Pupils and staff took the plunge last weekend in a charity swimming event. Fifteen pupils from SVPS joined a number of pupils and staff from SVS in competing at the Maidstone Charity Swim Relay. In teams of five, the task was to swim as many lengths as your team could in 30 minutes. Our pupi...

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  • Head's Lines 30th November

    Nov 2018
    As I mentioned last week, this time of year is always a very busy, and special, time for the Music department and our Chamber Choir kicked off the festive season with a wonderful performance at last Saturday’s Maidstone Festival. Mrs Geering was extremely proud of the children and, although they wer...
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  • Greek Art

    Nov 2018
    Year 3 have designed and painted plates in the style of the Ancient Greeks. The children learnt about the patterns and pictures the Ancient Greeks used on their pottery to help inspire their own works of art.
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  • Swim Relay Winners

    Nov 2018
    Pupils and staff took the plunge last weekend in a charity swimming event. The challenge involved teams of six swimming as many lengths as possible in 30 minutes.
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  • Equestrian Report

    Nov 2018
    The Equestrian Team has had a busy and successful few weeks, taking part in the NSEA Plate Championships and the Grass Roots Show.
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  • Parachuting Project

    Nov 2018
    This Half Term, Year 5 have been exploring a variety of forces, including gravity, air resistance, water resistance and friction. 
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  • Electronic Billing

    Nov 2018
    In line with our environmental sustainability objectives, we aim to reduce our environmental impact and to increase efficiency and communication by aiming to discontinue our hard copy fee invoicing practices. Receiving your fee invoice by email is:
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  • HIKSVS represent British Education at international exposition

    Nov 2018
    The first-ever China International Import Expo (CIIE) was hosted in Shanghai, in early November 2018, under President Xi’s vision of building an open world economy. HIK Education Group and Partners were proud to represent the very best of British education at the British National Pavilion.
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  • All Around Art

    Nov 2018
    Art is all around, even on the playground.
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  • Super Stars and Courtesy Badge Winners

    Nov 2018
    Congratulations to this week's winners. 
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  • A Burning Question

    Nov 2018
    Did you know Samuel Pepys buried his diary, his wine and a very expensive Parmesan cheese in his garden to save them from the Great Fire of London in 1666?
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  • Architecture and Art workshop

    Nov 2018
    On Tuesday 20th November, 6T had an adventurous day with an architect who taught us all kinds of different things; from how to use tools to building enormous shapes that would have touched the ceiling of the Bates Hall (if we were tall enough)!
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  • Napier’s Bones

    Nov 2018
    At SVPS the teachers are always keen to reach out to seek new and innovative ways to deliver the curriculum and enhance the children’s’ learning opportunities; finding different ways to understand.
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  • Musical Show and Tell

    Nov 2018

    Ciara, Sophie and Zara all played their violins. Oscar performed the waltz on his 'cello and Tilly, Avia and Alice sang a song of their choice. We were all very inspired to becoming a class of musicians. 
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  • Making SVPS History

    Nov 2018
    Charlotte Slaughter, in Year 4, is the first girl in the history of SVPS to play Rugby for the School.  She played for U9B in their first fixture of the season against Dulwich Prep, which ended with an impressive 65-15 win!
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  • From the Head

    Nov 2018
    This week has seen the arrival of winter and there is definitely a whiff of Christmas in the air as nativities are being rehearsed and carols learned, in preparation for the final few weeks of term.
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  • STEM Challenge

    Nov 2018
    Last week, some Year 6 children were set a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) challenge and were given the morning to achieve it.
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  • Christmas Door Wreath and Table Decoration Holiday Club

    Nov 2018
    It’s that time of year again when Mrs McNama has kindly offered to do her annual Christmas Wreath Holiday Club. It will take place on Wednesday 19th December, from 9.30-15.30,
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  • In a Spin Over Tables

    Nov 2018
    The Mathematics department has been coming up with creative ways to enthuse our pupils about multiplication.
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  • Critical Thinkers

    Nov 2018
    'How do you know that?' is one question, but philosophers ask, 'How do you know that you know that?' 
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  • From the Head of Pre-Prep

    Nov 2018

    This week, life in Pre-Prep started off with a rather a hot topic - the Fire of London. I was kindly invited by the teachers and pupils for a re-enactment on the field. As I got closer, I saw 40 miniature Tudor houses all set up as a mock-London street. The pupils were very knowledgeabl...

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  • Partitioning for a Pyjama Party

    Nov 2018
    2C so impressed Mrs Crampton this week with their work in Maths on partition addition
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  • Year 5 Hever Trip

    Nov 2018
    Travelling back 500 years, Year 5 found themselves at Hever Castle, the family home of Anne Boleyn.  The castle was in a bustle as everyone was busy getting ready for Henry VIII’s visit.
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  • Superstars and Courtesy Badges 0811

    Nov 2018
    Congratulations to this week's winners
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  • Dazzling Diwali

    Nov 2018
    Reception had the opportunity to participate in a Dazzling Diwali workshop. 
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  • Guy Fawkes comes to life!

    Nov 2018
    The children in 1L have been learning about the story of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and discovering why we still celebrate Bonfire Night today.
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  • From the Deputy Head

    Nov 2018
    The clocks may have gone back and we may be faced with increasingly cold and damp weather to go along with the growing darkness, but Sutton Valence Prep School is showing no signs of going into hibernation any time soon.
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  • Head's Lines 19th October

    Oct 2018
    We have come to the end of the longest Half Term in the academic year and there is no doubt in my mind that the pupils and staff deserve to have a good rest for the next couple of weeks!
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  • Autumn Joint Concert

    Oct 2018
    Last night’s Autumn Concert was the second collaboration between the schools showcasing music from popular music genres.  It is a great pleasure for us to give so many of our musicians the chance to perform and exciting to see how students joined together to perform.
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  • Double Double Toil and Trouble

    Oct 2018
    Year 6 have been studying Shakespeare’s Macbeth this Half Term, in English.
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  • Digital Arts

    Oct 2018
    Movies, characters, costumes, posters, Photoshop and Year 5 were the ingredients for a fantastic Media Studies workshop held at the Senior School on a sunny Saturday.
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  • Globe Trip

    Oct 2018
    Our Year 6 trip to Shakespeare's Globe was outstanding! It was a glorious day in London as we strolled along the South Bank admiring the London skyline.
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  • Colts A Hockey Girls Victorious Again

    Oct 2018
    After the success at the SVPS Hockey Tournament, the Colts A Hockey girls were eager to repeat the performance at the In2Kent Mini Championships. The girls were fired up ready to give their all straight from the first whistle.
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  • Could you be the SVPS Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018?

    Oct 2018
    After last year’s successful launch, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is back! To enter this exciting competition, you need to take a photograph of some wildlife that you see over the next few weeks.
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  • Pre-Prep Winners

    Oct 2018
    Congratulations to this week's winners
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  • SVPS Success at Hockey Tournament

    Oct 2018
    On Wednesday, we held our annual U11 Hockey Tournament, with 14 schools attending from near and far. This tournament is held in high regard, with all schools keen to get their hands on the trophy.
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  • Head's Lines 12th October

    Oct 2018
    In Monday’s assembly, the children were introduced to habit two from Seven Habits for Happy Kids. Habit two is focused on the importance of planning ahead.
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  • Calm moments in PSHE

    Oct 2018
    In 1D our PSHE lesson feels more like relaxation time in our favourite spa! We begin the time sitting in a circle, with lights dimmed and soft music playing.
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  • Head's Lines 5th October

    Oct 2018
    As you may be aware, I attended the annual IAPS Conference last week which took the theme of ‘Tomorrow’s World; Global Citizens’.
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  • Maths and English Information Evening

    Oct 2018
    We hosted our Year 3 to Year 6 Mathematics and English Information Evening this Thursday evening. Over 60 parents attended the informative and helpful presentations given by Mrs Barr (Head of English) and Mrs Skelly (Head of Mathematics). 
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  • IAPS Hockey 2018

    Oct 2018
    The U11A team travelled to Hurstpierpoint College, on Tuesday, for the IAPS Hockey Tournament. The team consisted of four Year 6 and three Year 5 girls. The bare seven, no substitutions!
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  • Diwali Divas

    Oct 2018
    Creativity spreads its light across the curriculum.
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  • All around Art

    Sep 2018
    In Design Technology, Year 6 have travelled back in time; taking with them, their knowledge gleaned from their Humanities topic, the Victorians. 
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  • Year 1 at Kent Life

    Sep 2018
    here are many exciting things about going on a school trip, from the educational content to the social interaction and then there is the packed lunch. Somehow eating out of a bag with free choice to eat the items in any order means that far more is consumed than would otherwise be the case. Of cours...
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  • School Council

    Sep 2018
    Welcome to September 2018 and a new School Council! We have already had our first meeting and have decided from our recent School survey that litter is the biggest environmental problem within our grounds. We will be asking if we can have another bin on the way to the top field, to help solve this i...
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  • Curiosity Club - Do you think out of the box?

    Sep 2018
    Over 50 inquisitive children, from SVPS and other local schools, attended our Curiosity Club on Saturday. The children took part in practical hands-on workshops answering questions such as 'How do you tell the time without a clock?', 'What makes a poem good?' and 'Do we all think the same way?'
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  • Deputy Head's Lines

    Sep 2018
    With Miss Corkran away at the IAPS Head’s Conference, it falls to me to reflect on the last week. There has been a distinctly autumnal feel in the air, with the crisp, bright mornings, some sunshine and a few leaves around the site beginning to turn brown. In addition to this, the School has begun H...
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  • Superstars and Courtesy Badges 27th September

    Sep 2018
    Congratulations to this week's winners
    MORE

  • School Golf Day

    Sep 2018
    Last Friday, the School had the pleasure of hosting its annual Golf Day at Chart Hills Golf Club.
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  • Putting out The Fire of London

    Sep 2018
    The Year 1 trip to the Museum of Kent Life was a fabulous day out in every case. To meet a real life character from the past is such a treat.
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  • All around Art

    Sep 2018
    The three-tree apple orchard outside the Art room has flourished so children have had the opportunity to eat the delicious apples and even more appetising…to draw them!
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  • Head's Lines 21st September

    Sep 2018
    With Miss Corkran visiting HIKSVS in China this week, I have been given the opportunity to write to you all to report on life here at SVPS and the exciting events of the week.
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  • To infinity and beyond!

    Sep 2018
    The year group set off for Herstmonceux in glorious sunshine to start their trip.
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  • Superstars and Courtesy Badges

    Sep 2018
    Congratulations to this week's winners
    MORE

  • Head's Lines 14th September

    Sep 2018
    The SVPS Enrichment Journey was in evidence everywhere I looked this week! Some very excited children took part in the first Hockey and Football matches of the term and the clubs and activities programme got off to a super start.
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  • Strong start in DT

    Sep 2018
    Year 3 faced a challenge in Design Technology this week; to test the strength of a paper column and cement its position in architecture as a very strong shape. 
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  • Head's Lines 7th September

    Sep 2018
    The new academic year has got off to a flying start and no time has been wasted as the children have settled well into their work and new routines.  As I mentioned in my beginning of term letter, we extend a warm welcome to all our SVPS families and particularly to those new to our community; we wis...
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  • Sutton Valence School Scholarship Applications 2018 - Current Year 6 pupils

    Sep 2018
    Please note that applications for scholarships to the Senior School must be made by Friday 28th September. 
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  • HIKSVS First Anniversary Celebration

    Sep 2018
    HIKSVS held a grand ceremony, on 26th August, celebrating its first anniversary. Almost 300 parents were invited to join the celebration. We reviewed the progress and achievements of the last year together and warmly welcomed nearly 100 new pupils and their parents to join the HIKSVS family.
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  • Barnardo's Toddle 2018

    Jun 2018
    Following the success of our outdoor gym this term, Nursery felt that the theme of sport would suit our Toddle obstacle course this year.
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  • Super Stars 28th June

    Jun 2018
    Congratulations to this week's winners.
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  • Year 2 Pond Dipping

    Jun 2018
    This week Year 2 spent a sunny morning in the School Millennium Garden.
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  • Raising Funds for Guide Dogs

    Jun 2018
    This week Reception has been learning about animals that help us.
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  • Head's Lines 29th June

    Jun 2018
    The penultimate week of term has been jam-packed with enrichment opportunities. It has been wonderful to witness the enjoyment the children have been getting out of these, as well as the weather that has enabled lots of fabulous outdoor learning to take place.
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  • We all fit together!

    Jun 2018
    Next year’s Year 5 class, 5SB, had a very creative and productive morning on Tuesday.
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  • Moving Up Day

    Jun 2018
    The year two children moving into Mrs Theobald’s class next year enjoyed a creative morning on move up day.
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  • Year 5 Bridge Building

    Jun 2018
    The Brief: Build a bridge that crosses a river .....
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  • Head's Lines 22nd June 18

    Jun 2018
    It’s that point in the term when parents must feel they are at School more than they are anywhere else!
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  • Participative and Powerful Poetry

    Jun 2018
    Powerful poetry, full of figurative language, was created by Year 6 in English.
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  • Pre-Pre Prize Giving and Sports Day

    Jun 2018
    Pre-Prep had a very special day on Tuesday when the pupils from Reception to Year 2 had their Prize Giving event.
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  • Weekend sporting triumphs!

    Jun 2018
    Four pupils from SVPS qualified for the National Swimming Finals, which were held at the London Aquatics Centre on Saturday. The following day, the School’s first-ever triathlon team travel to Dulwich Prep. What followed were outstanding performances on both days, and two national medals!
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  • Summer Concert Arrangements

    Jun 2018
    As the finale to our musical year approaches, I am writing to advise you of the arrangements for the day of the concert.
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  • Seeds and Trees!

    Jun 2018
    On Tuesday, Year 3 went to Bedgebury for a Seeds and Trees day.
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  • All Around Art - Kandinsky

    Jun 2018
    The power of colour took over Year 3’s art as they engaged with the geometrical elements and abstract images of the artist Wassily Kandinsky.
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  • Poetry Speaking Competition

    Jun 2018
    It was yet another sunny afternoon for our Poetry Speaking Competition last Friday. We had a great day with Simon Mole as our guest judge.
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  • Head's Lines 15th June 18

    Jun 2018
    At the end of last week’s newsletter, I promised to update you with the results of the two big IAPS events that took place over the weekend. I am delighted to say that the weekend proved to be hugely successful for SVPS Sport and there is much good news to report!
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  • Orchestral Instrument Taster Week

    Jun 2018
    During the week beginning 18th June, we are giving the children in Years 2 to 5 the opportunity to have a taster lesson on a variety of stringed, wind and brass instruments.
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  • Magical Beasts

    Jun 2018
    Watch out, watch out, there are magical beasts about!
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  • French Adventures

    Jun 2018
    Just before Half Term, Year 5 had a fun-packed adventure in France.
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  • Year 2's Health and Hygiene

    Jun 2018
    As part of our Science topic, Year 2 have been learning about ways to keep fit and healthy.
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  • Years 2 and 5 Cream Tea

    Jun 2018
    It was so wonderful to see the maturity of the Year 5 pupils touring the parents of our Year 2s.
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  • Year 4's Perfect Pizzas

    Jun 2018
    On Tuesday, Year 4 went on a trip to Pizza Express!
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  • Head's Lines 8th June

    Jun 2018
    Our week began with a fabulous cream tea enjoyed by the children in Year 2 and their Year 5 buddies. The tea party was preceded by a tour of the Coles Building, led by the Year 5s, and it was super to see so many parents joining in as well.
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  • Summer Holiday Clubs

    Jun 2018
    If you want your child to join a club, please sign up now.
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  • Head's Lines 25th May

    May 2018
    The week Year 5 have been waiting for all year finally arrived! I am not referring to their assessment day, when they were given the opportunity, on Monday, to experience sitting assessments in the Bates Hall for the first time. However, I would like to congratulate the children for their efforts.
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  • Leadership Week

    May 2018
    Leadership Week is nearly upon us!
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  • Super Shape Poems

    May 2018
    This week we have been looking at different forms of poetry in preparation for the upcoming poetry competition, after Half Term.
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  • Evacutation Experience

    May 2018
    Year 6 went to Tenterden Railway on Tuesday for their World War II Evacuation Experience.
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  • Right Before Our Eyes

    May 2018
    The children in Year 5 had the privilege of releasing our ‘home grown’ butterflies into the nature area outside the Science Lab and Art Room.
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  • Royal Dress Up Day

    May 2018
    “I’m getting married in the morning!! Ding, dong the bells are going to chime!!” Everyone has had a wonderful time celebrating the imminent wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle. 
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  • Head's Lines 18th May

    May 2018
    The Sutton Valence Enrichment Journey has been very evident this week beginning with the Guitar and Ukulele Assembly on Monday morning.
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  • Artwork Fit for the Queen  

    May 2018
    This week 2C have been learning about the royal family. They looked at portraits dating back to King Charles I.
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  • Head's Lines 11th May

    May 2018
    Following on from the most glorious of Bank Holidays, Grandparents’ Day proved to be a wonderfully warm (in every sense of the word!) and enjoyable event.
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  • SVPS Grandparents' Day 2018

    May 2018
    This Tuesday, the School held their annual Grandparents' Day welcoming over 200 grandparents. 
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  • Expressing Faith Through the Arts 

    May 2018
    In RE, Year 6 are focusing on expressing faith through the arts. Art, music and drama play a huge role in celebrating beliefs and worship, both past and present.
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  • HIKSVS Visit Tianjin Water Park

    May 2018
    The whole of HIKSVS visited Tianjin Water Park recently to observe the changing of seasons.
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  • Year 6 Media 'Pop Up Newsroom' Experience

    May 2018
    On Thursday, John Young, the television news reporter and journalist visited SVPS to host a series of workshops for Year 6.
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  • Prep School Mathematics Challenges

    May 2018
    Four Year 5 pupils travelled to The King's School, Canterbury for a Mathematics challenge last week.
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  • Head's Lines 4th May

    May 2018
    With the absence of Miss Corkran, who is visiting another school to undertake an inspection, I have been asked to update you on our news this week in Prep and Pre-Prep.
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  • Prep School Mathematics Challenge 2018

    May 2018
    The annual Prep School Mathematics Challenge took place last Thursday evening. The Mathematics department hosted 14 different preparatory schools from across Kent.
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  • UWS Foundation Concert

    Apr 2018
    For the third year in a row, the SVPS Chamber Choir has had the privilege of performing in the UWS Foundation Concert with VOCES8.
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  • Head's Lines 27th April

    Apr 2018
    This week has been filled with some wonderful enrichment opportunities that have proved inspirational for all involved! Tuesday’s United Westminster Schools Foundation Concert, held at the Gresham Centre in central London.
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  • Reception Minibeasts

    Apr 2018
    RG have started their new topic Minibeasts. So far they have visited the Millennium Garden and found a variety of creepy crawlies and learnt about the metamorphism of a butterfly.
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  • Equestrian at Codham Park

    Apr 2018
    Jess De Lucy (Third Form) and Toby De Lucy (Year 6) travelled to Codham Park, earlier this month, to compete in the Jumping With Style qualifier class.
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  • Head's Lines 20th April

    Apr 2018
    What glorious weather for the first week of the Summer Term! Many children and parents have commented on our beautiful grounds.
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  • Montgenévre Ski Trip 2018

    Apr 2018
    During the Easter Holidays, pupils and staff visited Montgenèvre, France for the SVPS Ski Trip.
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  • HIKSVS House Competitions

    Apr 2018
    Towards the end of last term it was wonderful to watch the children support and play for their houses.
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  • Head's Lines 23rd March

    Mar 2018
    As the final week of a busy term draws to a close, the sun is shining and I can’t help wondering whether Spring really has arrived! Having said that, in just three weeks the Summer term will begin so here’s hoping it brings some summery weather and so we can all enjoy the many events that make up th...
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  • All Around William Morris Art

    Mar 2018
    Year 5 have been inspired by William Morris and his Arts and Crafts movement.
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  • Goldilocks and the Three Bears

    Mar 2018
    Year 4 explored the traditional story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears through the words of Roald Dahl.
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  • Year 5 CCF Experience 

    Mar 2018
    Last Friday, Year 5 visited the Senior School for a CCF experience. Firstly, we had lunch at the Senior School, which was delicious!
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  • Year 5 French Penfriends 

    Mar 2018
    This week, Year 5 children received the first letter from their new penfriends at L’École Bossuet in Beauvais in Picardie.
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  • Head's Lines 16th March

    Mar 2018
    Last Friday, it was wonderful to see so many children from local primary schools taking part in our annual mixed Hockey Tournament. We really enjoy being able to lay on this event for the community and the participants all commented on the excellent organisation and expressed their gratitude, both t...
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  • Head's Lines 9th March

    Mar 2018
    As I said at the end of Tuesday’s fabulous concert, I particularly like Longfellow’s famous quote ‘Music is the universal language of mankind’. Our first combined venture with HIKSVS was a really special occasion and a fitting finale to a hugely successful two day visit by a group of Year 3 and 4 pu...
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  • Year 2 Viking Workshop

    Mar 2018
    On Wednesday, Year 2 took part in a Viking workshop.  They found out who the Vikings were, where they came from and why they came to England.
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  • HIKSVS Visit to Sutton Valence School

    Mar 2018
    On Monday and Tuesday this week, 12 pupils and their parents from our sister school, HIKSVS in Tianjin, China, spent time visiting Sutton Valence and really getting a feel for what life at this fantastic School is all about.
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  • SVPS HIKSVS Concert

    Mar 2018
    I have a feeling that Tuesday night’s concert will live in our memories for many years to come.  Fortuitously, the concert coincided with the visit of pupils, parents and staff from HIKSVS.
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  • Fortnite – A Parent’s Guide

    Mar 2018
    We have noticed that our children have been talking about a video game called Fortnite and wanted to share the following information with our wider School community.
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  • U11 Hockey IAPS Regional Winners

    Mar 2018
    On Monday, the Colts A Hockey team travelled to Tonbridge School for the U11 IAPS Hockey Regional Tournament. Teams from Surrey, Sussex and Kent made up the 28 strong field and we knew we would be in for a tough days Hockey.
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  • Year 3 at Wildwood

    Mar 2018
    Year 3 attended their School trip at Wildwood on Monday. They had an interactive Skeleton Workshop, learning the names of bones, constructing skeletons of small animals and working out which woodland animal the skulls belonged to.
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  • Academic Deputy Head's Lines

    Mar 2018
    It certainly has been a week to remember, here at SVPS!  No one could have predicted that we would be plunged back into the icy depths of Winter, having seen the bashful snowdrops bob their heads in the sunshine last week and even the Springtime call of a cuckoo was heard echoing around our site.
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  • Snow Science

    Mar 2018
    The children inflated balloons, measured their circumference and then hung them on a ‘washing line’ outside.
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  • Year 4 Science Workshop

    Mar 2018
    Year 4 managed to beat the ‘Beast from the East’ this week, by having a fun-filled Science workshop on Eco Electricity just before its arrival.
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  • Head's Lines 23rd February

    Feb 2018
    We began the second half of term with an inspirational assembly led by Isabelle in Year 4. Isabelle spends over 20 hours a week at her gymnastics club, for this is the expectation for elite level athletes.
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  • All Around Art Year 3

    Feb 2018
    The Dutch artist, Hendrick Avercamp, and his painted winter scenes were the inspiration for Year 3’s wonderful landscapes. 
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  • Year 5 in Horton Kirby

    Feb 2018
    The Year 5 children experienced the opportunity to explore the river at Horton Kirby. They identified a weir, meanders, erosion, upstream, downstream and many more key geographical terms.
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  • Swim Success for Nicole

    Feb 2018
    The Kent Championships started on 20th January and for the past four weekends have been held at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre and the Olympic Pool - London Aquatic Centre.
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  • Duckhurst Junior Showjumping Qualifier

    Feb 2018
    On Tuesday during Half Term, Toby De Lucy (Year 6) and I, Maisey Russell (First Form), went to Duckhurst for the Grass Roots qualifiers.
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  • Head's Lines 9th February

    Feb 2018
    The week got off to an exciting start when the children arrived at School to find it covered in a good layer of snow. The Pre-Prep had great fun on the field as many, for the first time in their young lives, experienced playtime in the snow.
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  • It's a Cake Walk!

    Feb 2018
    Sutton Valence Prep School were treated to cakes galore yesterday, as Year 6 held their annual fundraising Cake Sale.
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  • Funny Bones Workshop

    Feb 2018
    Reception enjoyed a fabulous Funny Bones Workshop with Ed the Science Boffin.
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  • Teachers Squiggle

    Feb 2018
    The Senior Management Team and some of the Governors were given a squiggle on a sticky note and asked to be creative, courageous thinkers by turning it into an artwork.
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  • Head's Lines 2nd February

    Feb 2018
    I have no doubt that the Young Voices event, that took place at The O2 on Monday, will remain in the memories of the participants for many years to come.
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  • Young Voices Concert 2018

    Feb 2018
    On Monday 29th January, 53 children from the Senior Choir travelled up to The O2 to take part in Young Voices 2018 and be part of a 7,500 strong choir!
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  • Funds Raised for MNDA

    Jan 2018
    The SVPSPA have been raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) over the last few months. 
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  • New School Council Communication Team! 

    Jan 2018
    We have begun our new method of running the School Council; the representatives from each form are now known as the Communication Team.
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  • Head's Lines 26th January

    Jan 2018
    Last Saturday, it was wonderful to welcome a large group of pupils from Sutton Valence Primary School to this term’s Curiosity Club.
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  • Confectionary Classification Connoisseurs

    Jan 2018
    Year 6 have been learning about Carl Linnaeus and the classification of all living things.
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  • Chiddingstone Castle

    Jan 2018
    'Walk like an Egyptian!' Well Year 1 did, as they followed in the footsteps of the Ancient Egyptians on their visit to Chiddingstone Castle.
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  • Miss McCarmick’s HIKSVS Journey

    Jan 2018
    Here I am in Tianjin. My journey here was just wonderful. I set my alarm on the flight for 1:30am, to make sure I was awake to see Russia’s breathtaking Tundra. I so desperately wanted to ensure I saw the sheer scale of this icy landscape be able to share it with our current Year 2 pupils, who have ...
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  • Head's Lines 19th January

    Jan 2018
    Clubs began this week and it is super to see the children embrace the wide range of activities on offer. I have seen (and smelled) the scrumptious results of cookery club and heard the fabulous ukulele group back in action!
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  • Arctic Explorer Felicity Aston MBE

    Jan 2018
    Year 2 had a real treat yesterday when Arctic explorer, Felicity Aston MBE, came to visit.
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  • Year 2 Art Workshop 

    Jan 2018
    On Tuesday, Year 2 created a Viking explorer experience with the help of teachers, TAs and Mrs Savage. Using crayons and magnificent mark making, they created rolling waves in a sea washed with beautiful blue paint. 
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  • Mr Richard Green HIKSVS Headmaster

    Jan 2018
    The Board of Governors of HIKSVS is delighted to announce that Mr Richard Green has been appointed as Headmaster.
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  • Head's Lines 12th January

    Jan 2018
    It has been fantastic to see the children racing into School each morning this week, ready to embrace all that 2018 has to offer!
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  • Head's Lines 8th December

    Dec 2017
    I must begin this week’s newsletter with a huge thank you to Mrs Bush, Mrs Wynne and their amazing SVPSPA team for organising such a fabulous Christmas Fair. An enormous amount of work goes into the organisation of this much-loved annual event and it was enjoyed by the whole SVPS community.
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  • STEM Club - Santa Chair

    Dec 2017
    STEM Club - What sort of chair would Santa like to sit on?
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  • All Around Art Christmas

    Dec 2017
    As Christmas draws closer, the nativity story and the reasons for celebrating this joyous occasion have come to the fore.
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  • Beauvais Penfriends

    Dec 2017
    This week in their French lessons, the Year 5 children have finished their first penfriend letters and these will now be sent off to their new penfriends in Beauvais.
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  • School Council Road Safety

    Dec 2017
    Last week, Years 1 to 6 learned about Road Safety Awareness and the Green Cross Code.
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  • Head's Lines 1st December

    Dec 2017
    This time of year is always a very busy, and special, time for the Music department and our Chamber Choir kicked off the festive season with a wonderful performance at last Saturday’s Maidstone Festival. Mrs Geering was extremely proud of the children and they were awarded a well-deserved distinctio...
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  • Diwali Fireworks

    Nov 2017
    Nursery's creativity has been sparked off by the Diwali fireworks.
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  • Macbeth Year 6 Workshop

    Nov 2017
    Last week, Year 6 children took part in a Drama workshop linked to their English work on Macbeth.
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  • Shooting Success

    Nov 2017
    At shooting club on Tuesday, Elise Ratcliffe managed an amazing score of 45 out of 50.
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  • Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition

    Nov 2017
    The Sutton Valence Preparatory School Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition results were announced last Friday.
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  • Head's Lines 24th November

    Nov 2017
    As you will be aware, we started the week with an important phone call alerting us to the fact we could expect ‘visitors’ for two days! Thank you very much to those of you who managed to complete the questionnaire in the short time span requested by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. It has been ...
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  • Soloists’ Concert

    Nov 2017
    The second Soloists’ Concert of the year took place in the Back Music Room on Friday after school.
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  • No2 in East of England!

    Nov 2017
    U11A Girls Finish Runners Up at East Regional Finals In2 Hockey Championships
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  • All Around Art Year 4

    Nov 2017
    Year 4 art lessons have been all about portraits. The artist Arcimboldo has been the pupils' inspiration.
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  • Our Mud Kitchen

    Nov 2017
    Our mud kitchen has sprung into action this term. After much deliberation about its location, Miss Corkran kindly allocated us a piece of her garden and here we took root.
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  • BookTrust charity

    Nov 2017
    The Early Years were delighted to receive a wonderful gift from the charity, BookTrust.
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  • Kent Mini In2 Hockey Championships.

    Nov 2017
    On Monday, after an eventful Friday at the Nationals, the U11A Girls Hockey set off to The King’s School for the In2 Hockey Kent Mini Championships.
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  • STEM Club - The Paperclip

    Nov 2017
    The paperclip; simple form, yet fully functional and suited to its purpose.
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  • Head's Lines 17th November

    Nov 2017
    This time last week, we were all rooting for our U11A girls’ hockey team, who were taking part in the IAPS Nationals at Millfield.
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  • All Around Art Year 6

    Nov 2017
    Year 6 have zoomed in to nature this week as they headed out into the SVPS gardens with their cameras.
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  • Le Chateau Year 5 and Year 6

    Nov 2017
    On Thursday it was French Play day for our children in Years 5 and 6.
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  • U11A IAPS Hockey National Finals update

    Nov 2017
    Last Friday saw the U11A girls hockey team compete at the IAPS Hockey National Finals. Only 28 schools made it to the National Finals out of 235 – already the girls were winners.
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  • All Around Paperweights

    Nov 2017
    Finally, Year 5's paperweights have emerged from the warm cocoon of the kiln, as beautiful, colourful animals.
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  • Gunpowder Plot

    Nov 2017
    This week in Year 1, the children acted out the story of the Gunpowder Plot. Some took the parts of the conspirators and others the parts of the King’s men
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  • Guy-making fun

    Nov 2017
    Pre-Prep had a very busy morning on Wednesday, ripping, crushing and stuffing newspaper galore, to make guys for our School Bonfire Night
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  • Head's Lines 10th November

    Nov 2017
    It was super to welcome the children back to school on Monday, following their half term break, although I think the sudden arrival of winter may have been a bit of a shock to our systems!
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  • SVS shortlisted for TES Independent School Award

    Nov 2017
    Sutton Valence School has been shortlisted in the Whole-School Community Initiative of the Year category of the TES Independent School Awards 2018.
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  • All Around Art Year 5

    Oct 2017
    Year 5 are creating magic in their Design and Technology lessons this week. They have glazed their ceramic animal, freshly fired paperweights.
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  • Head's Lines 20th October

    Oct 2017
    In last week’s newsletter I mentioned the great drive and tenacity shown by our U11A girls’ hockey team. This week, we were delighted to hear that their determination and teamwork had been rewarded with an outstanding result at the IAPS regional tournament.
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  • 5A Archaeologists

    Oct 2017
    5A have been using the same methods as archaeologists to discover, examine and record what constituted the Tudor’s diet.
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  • Year 6 Maths Race  

    Oct 2017
    Two boys and two girls from Year 6 represented SVPS at the Oakwood Park Grammar Inter-Primary Maths Competition last Friday.
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  • Quantum Theatre Maths Workshop

    Oct 2017
    Pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 welcomed Quantum Maths Theatre to SVPS on Monday.
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  • U11A Hockey Girls Through to Nationals

    Oct 2017
    The U11A Girls Hockey travelled to Tonbridge School for the IAPS Hockey Tournamen this week. After the success at the SVPS Tournament, the girls went with high hopes, as this year’s team are a very talented group of hockey players.
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  • Head's Lines 13th October

    Oct 2017
    There is no doubt that autumn is with us and, this week, it has been such a joy to see the children delighting in the fruits of the season as they collect leaves and conkers during their play times! It is a testament to the wonderful team of SVS gardeners that our site is as stunning at this time of...
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  • SVPS U11 Hockey Tournament

    Oct 2017
    On Wednesday we hosted the U11A SVPS Hockey Tournament with 14 teams, from as far as Ardingly, playing for the trophy. The girls had 6 matches in the group stage and won every one, finishing top overall, with a maximum score of 24 points.
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  • Around Art

    Oct 2017
    This week was all about the kiln; a very unassuming, yet remarkable piece of equipment that has a room all to itself in the art studio. Our kiln is packed and ready to biscuit fire Year 5’s clay paperweights, which they have carefully shaped into their chosen, local animal.
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  • Year 2's Conservation Week

    Oct 2017
    Our week started with a bang. Nicola and James, from KCC, spoke to Year 2 about the importance of our world and what we can do to protect it. The children had to play a recycling game and learnt that ‘scrunchy plastic’ such as crisp packets cannot be recycled.
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  • Accelerated Reading and Library News

    Oct 2017
    We have been looking at ways to enable the children to have more time to read and quiz. From next Monday (9th October) children will be allowed to sign up outside the library in order to stay in during break time the following day so they can take a quiz or read.
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  • All Around Arcimboldo

    Oct 2017
    This week Year 4 have been inspired by the Harvest Festival and the wonderful gifts from nature. Another naturally-inspired artist was Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Did you know that he painted portraits of people made up entirely of fruits, vegetables, flowers, animals and even books?
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  • Head's Lines 6th October

    Oct 2017
    I would like to begin by congratulating the SVPSPA for their sterling work organising such a successful Coffee and Cake Sale in aid of Macmillian last Friday. The event raised a magnificent £768.09 for this worthy charity and I have heard a good time was had by all. I was, sadly, unable to make it f...
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  • Pre-Prep Harvest Festival Fun

    Sep 2017
    Pre-Prep have celebrated their annual Harvest Festival this year with their traditional service at St Michaels church and then an afternoon of dancing at a barn dance. Pupils arrived in School dressed as farmers for the day; a sea of checked shirts and wellington boots could be seen throughout the b...
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  • A Greek Adventure in Greenwich

    Sep 2017
    Year 3 visited Greenwich Royal Naval College this week to experience an interactive workshop about Greek gods. The day started with acting and then creating beautiful masks of the gods, which they brought back to School.
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  • Design Technology, Science and Fairgrounds

    Sep 2017
    What do Ferris wheels, teacups, swings and carousels all have in common?
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  • Head's Lines 29th September

    Sep 2017
    With Miss Corkran away in Edinburgh, at the annual IAPS Heads’ Conference, it falls to me to pass comment on the week that was. As I come to the end of my first month at SVPS, I find myself feeling like I have already been here for a long time!
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  • Curiosity Club 

    Sep 2017
    The first ever Curiosity Club was a celebrated success, with topics ranging from Nature Walks and Pond Dipping, to Photoshop and Philosophy. Children from across the School enjoyed extending and exploring their learning through the activities put on. Reports back from the pupils have been excellent ...
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  • Head's Lines 22nd September

    Sep 2017
    It was super to see so many Year 3 to 6 parents at the English Information Evening and Reception parents at today’s Reception Goals and Reading Workshop. We so value working together with families but do, of course, appreciate that attending meetings is not always possible.
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  • Year 1 has a Historical Adventure

    Sep 2017
    Year 1 enjoyed not only magnificent weather but also the opportunity to meet Mr Thomas Farriner, the Baker who sadly started the Great Fire of London during their trip to Kent Life.
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  • Super Stars

    Sep 2017
    Congratulations to this week's winners:
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  • Year 2 in Bedgebury Pinetum

    Sep 2017
    Pupils in Year 2 had a most instructive time at Bedgebury Pinetum this week! They spent time in the forest, finding different species of conifer and learning all about their cones.
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  • Facing fears on a Year 4 Trip

    Sep 2017
    On Tuesday, Year 4 pupils enjoyed an enthralling team building day, at the Swattenden Centre, in Cranbrook. The day consisted of three main activities in smaller groups and then was rounded off with the two classes going head to head on the obstacle course!
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  • Head's Lines 15th September

    Sep 2017
    School trips play an important role in the SVPS curriculum and visits are carefully planned that they might enhance the curriculum and enable children to develop their skills and grow in confidence.
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  • HIKSVS opens its doors to pupils

    Sep 2017