Weekly Newsletter

It has been another busy and exciting week in the Edge Grove Junior Department. We proudly took centre stage during Wednesday’s Lexathon, with our Year 2 pupils setting the tone through their fantastic results, while Year 1 were an excellent audience, enthusiastically cheering on their houses. For those who may not be aware, the Lexathon is an annual language-based competition that celebrates vocabulary, spelling, word knowledge and wider literacy skills. 

Many of you will have seen the recent headline in the news, “Play is learning,” which has seen over 100,000 signatures added to a petition to the government. Moments like this provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on just how fortunate we are with the Edge Grove Curriculum. Free from the constraints of the national curriculum, we are able to go above and beyond, focusing on what is truly best for our pupils and ensuring that children benefit from the right balance of structured and less structured learning opportunities.

Many of you will know our Head of English and Future School Curriculum, Mrs Broadis. Each week, she writes an insightful article on Future Schools, offering a clear picture of how well Edge Grove prepares pupils for their senior schools of choice, as well as reassurance that the next step in your child’s education is a fully supported one. Please do take time to read her Future Schools section below. She has also written an interesting article for the Academic Update section below titled ‘From Screens to Shared Thinking: Why Play, Passion and Human Connection Still Matter’. Please do have a read.

Don’t Forget – Number Day

Friday 6th February marks NSPCC Number Day. This year, Mrs O’Brien, our Head of Maths, has set the Junior Department a very important challenge: pupils are invited to dress up as a number! There is a twist, however, football and sports kits are not allowed, so this will call for plenty of creativity and imagination. A donation amount of £2.00 will be added to your next term’s invoice, however, if you would like to opt out please email office@edgegrove.com by Wednesday 5th February at the latest.

Uniform reminder
A gentle reminder that pupils should bring their blazers to school each day, as these form an important part of our uniform. We are also pleased to note that Stevensons now have elasticated ties back in stock, and we would encourage their use where possible.

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

Mrs Wynne
Assistant Head (Junior)

Nursery

In Nursery this week we have been introduced to our new focus, Space. The children have enjoyed dressing up as astronauts and watching rockets launch into Space. We have been sharing our knowledge of shapes and their properties, we even made some rocket ships using different shapes. ‘Whatever Next’ was our story of the week and the children did a great job at sequencing different parts of the story into the beginning, middle and end. The children are becoming familiar with a story map and how it flows into different parts. Another fun-filled busy week in Nursery!

Reception News

This week in Reception, our Book of the Week has been The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson. The children loved exploring the story and were invited to take on the roles of the snail and the whale, acting out a conversation between the two characters. We talked about what they might say to each other and then wrote down our ideas, producing some lovely early writing full of imagination.

In Maths, we have been focusing on addition, continuing to practise putting two numbers together and writing number sentences in the correct format. The children have been working hard to explain their thinking and use the correct mathematical language.

We are very excited for Number Day next week, where we will take part in a range of fun, hands-on activities celebrating all things numbers! To help prepare, you might like to encourage your child at home to practise writing numbers in creative ways — using chalk outside, glitter, paint, or even drawing numbers in a tray of sand or flour. We can’t wait to see their number skills shine! 

Year 1 News

3…2…1.. Lift off! This week we were catapulted into Space through our fabulous text ‘Astro Girl.’ We have enjoyed making predictions and using speech bubbles to think about what the characters might be saying. ‘I want to be an astronaut,’ said Astrid (the main character). Well, we asked the children what they wanted to be when they grew up and it was so exciting to hear all about their future plans. A footballer (obviously!) was top of the list, but also vets, teachers, surgeons and computer games.

In Maths we have been brilliant at comparing objects and numbers so we have moved on to some problem solving and using our knowledge to find all the possible answers to a question. 

We tested a range of objects in science this week and as well as thinking about what they are made of, we used scientific language to discuss if they were rigid or flexible and the reasons why. 

Our personal highlight of the week was the Year 1 and 2 Lexathon, where all the houses took part to be crowned best wordsmiths! Well done to everyone who participated!

Year 2 News

Over the past week, children have been developing their creative writing skills through rewriting The Invisible by Tom Percival. The work has encouraged children to bring together a range of language features, with particular emphasis on the effective use of time conjunctions, verbs and prefixes to improve sentence structure and cohesion. 

The children have enjoyed exploring arrays in mathematics, and how we can use them to develop fluency in multiplication and division. Pupils have been applying these skills through a range of problem-solving and reasoning activities to deepen their mathematical thinking.

We have continued our exploration of the Great Fire of London this week in Humanities. Children have been fascinated to learn how the fire started, escalated and how the community were able to eventually put the fire out! We discussed the sequence of events in detail and the children have been working hard on their own re-telling of the story. 

A highlight for year 2 this week was participating in the Lexathon house competition! Representatives from year 2 performed especially well and answered a variety of spelling questions, solved anagrams and identified homophones. Well done to all involved!   

We have had another productive and engaging week in school, with pupils demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment across all areas of learning. A particular highlight was our assembly focusing on the Value of the Week: Acceptance. The children reflected thoughtfully on what acceptance means and how it can be demonstrated through kindness, respect, and understanding towards others.

We were pleased to welcome back Henry the dachshund in our assembly materials, where he once again helped to reinforce this important value in a memorable way. Although Henry did not attend in person, which I know the middle department would enjoy so much, his message continued to resonate with the children and supported meaningful discussion and reflection.

Alongside our values work, pupils have been fully immersed in their learning across the curriculum. Below is an overview of the learning that has taken place this week.

We would like to thank you for your continued support and wish all families a pleasant and restful weekend.

Mrs Hodge
Deputy Head Academic

Year 3 – Miss Kyriacou, Miss Corin, Miss Lundrigan

It has been a productive week in the classroom and we are pleased to share the details of the subjects and topic areas your children have been engaging with this week. 

Our focus in English has centered on the historical events surrounding the Titanic. This topic has served as a rich foundation for developing several key comprehension skills. Pupils have been practicing how to efficiently select and retrieve specific information from texts, as well as how to sequence events chronologically. We have moved beyond literal meaning to explore “reading between the lines,” helping the children to understand the emotions and motivations of those on board. Our grammar focus has been the correct use of inverted commas (speech marks). The children are learning to punctuate direct speech accurately within their writing.

In Maths, we have been working diligently on numerical fluency and mental arithmetic. Our primary areas of study include: multiplication and counting.  We are focusing on the 3, 4, 6, and 8 times tables. The children have been practicing counting forward and backward in intervals of 50, which helps strengthen their understanding of place value. Pupils are participating in reasoning activities and problem solving activities. Here, they must explain their mathematical thinking and justify their answers to complex problems.

Our journey through history has taken us to Ancient Rome. We have been investigating the expansion of the Roman Empire and, more specifically, its profound effect on Britain. From the introduction of new infrastructure to changes in daily life, the pupils are discovering how the Roman occupation shaped the country we live in today.

In our science sessions, we are continuing our long-term study of plant growth. The children have been closely monitoring the beans they planted. This week, we conducted detailed observations to identify any physiological changes.

Year 4 – Mrs Futerill, Mrs Warnes

The Vikings have truly captured the imagination of Year 4 this week. Oliver shared his fascination with the strategic nature of Viking battles and their raids on Lindisfarne. Taking on the role of historical journalists, Veer and Noah both expressed how much they enjoyed transforming this knowledge into dramatic news reports and newspaper articles.

In English, the creativity continued as students delved into the world of How to Train Your Dragon. Aiden impressed us with his use of prepositional phrases to describe Hiccup’s daring journey into a cliff-top cave. Meanwhile, Shreya has been busy weaving tales of mystery, focusing on Captain Jim and the discovery of a hidden map.

Our scientists have been exploring the mechanics of sound. Savannah and her peers have been investigating how sound travels and the anatomy of the ear. Savannah found it particularly interesting to learn about what sits inside the skull and how different internal parts work together to help us process noise.

In Geography, Neevan discovered the practical power of coordinates. He enjoyed seeing the direct link between geographical mapping and his favorite subject, Mathematics, proving that numbers are useful far beyond the classroom walls.

In Art and DT, Leia has been mastering the art of the shading, learning how to use light and shadow to make 2D sketches pop into 3D forms. She has also been busy in Performing Arts, where the class is currently scripting and acting out their own news reports—a fantastic way to build presence and public speaking confidence. It also links beautifully to our current history project.

In Forest School and Games, it was a week of reconnection and physical challenge! Riyan loved being back in Mrs Doughty’s Forest School class, where he spent time designing his own games and enjoying the outdoors. Over on the sports field, Riyan also tackled the new challenge of contact rugby, learning the proper techniques for tackling safely. The year group was also thrilled to welcome back Mr Dippenaar, who led several energetic lessons throughout the week.

Finally, it is heartening to hear from Milan, who shared that his highlights of the week weren’t just academic; he has thoroughly enjoyed his first few weeks here at Edge Grove because of the kindness shown to him by his new classmates. It’s a wonderful reminder of the supportive spirit here in Year 4.

Aaran has really enjoyed mathematics this week as we’ve been exploring and manipulating money! We’ve used ‘real’ coins and notes to show mathematical calculations.

As we look ahead to our next English project, we will be writing non-chronological reports about dragons. To get a head start, why not research some legendary beasts this weekend? Think about their habitats, diets, and unique physical adaptations!

Year 5 – Mr Russell and Mrs O’Brien

In PSHE, we have been learning about the effects of asthma, including the science behind the condition as well as specific triggers, signs, and symptoms. We looked at how to identify an asthma attack and exactly what to do if we ever encounter someone having one. Next week, we will be getting hands-on by practically creating our own lungs to show what happens when inhaling and exhaling, and how that process differs for someone who is asthmatic.

We have also been involved in an array of assemblies this week. Tuesday saw us pay tribute to Holocaust Memorial Day, where we observed a number of different stories from survivors told to us first-hand by Mrs Allen. We were grateful to hear these accounts as we reflect on this year’s theme, “Bridging Generations,” ensuring these stories live on so they are never forgotten. Mrs Broadis also introduced After The War by Tom Palmer, a book inspired by first-hand survivor accounts. We were incredibly proud of the children for being so respectful and observant throughout.

The energy shifted on Thursday for our annual Lexathon final! Our Year 5 representatives fought hard for their houses across a number of linguistic quiz rounds. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the competition unfold and offer a huge congratulations to Sarnesfield for their victory.

Looking ahead, we have another exciting week to look forward to, including a visit from the author Josh Lacey on Tuesday. Furthermore, thanks to Mrs Broadis, signed copies of Tom Palmer’s best-selling books are still available to purchase from Reception for £4 each (card payments accepted). These are available for pupils, and we encourage families to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.

Have a lovely weekend.

Year 6 – Mrs Allen, Mr Kay, Dr Moradi

This week has been a busy and meaningful one for Year 6, centred around learning, reflecting and remembering. A key moment was our Holocaust Memorial Day assembly on 27th January, where pupils listened with great maturity and respect as they reflected on the powerful stories of survivors. This year’s theme, “Bridging Generations,” sat at the heart of our assembly, and Year 6 engaged deeply with what this truly means.

We explored the crucial role of our generation: listening to those who came before us and sharing their stories with those who come after; refusing to be bystanders; fostering intergenerational dialogue; and ensuring that the past is never forgotten. Pupils were encouraged to always choose understanding, kindness and love over hatred, and to recognise the importance of being a light in the darkness. These were thoughtful and moving conversations, and the sensitivity shown by the children was commendable.

As part of the assembly, Mrs Allen shared the stories of two of the Windermere Boys, Arek Hersh and Harry Olmer OBE, whose experiences are told in Tom Palmer’s After the War: From Auschwitz to Ambleside. These powerful personal accounts helped to bring history to life and reinforced the importance of remembrance and empathy.

Reminder: Thanks to Mrs Broadis, signed copies of Tom Palmer’s best-selling books are still available to purchase from Reception for £4 each (card payments accepted). These are available for pupils, and we encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity.

Alongside this important act of remembrance, the week also included moments of energetic fun and competitive spirit. On Thursday morning, pupils took part in a lively Lexathon, showing fantastic effort and enthusiasm. Puzzles, anagrams, idioms and word challenges were tackled with determination between Houses, and it was wonderful to see sportsmanship, teamwork and perseverance on strong display. 

A special well done to Sarnesfield!

A busy, reflective and rewarding week for Year 6.

Congratulations to our 5 Seniors who represented their houses in the Lexathon!   Bolu from Hedgerows, Eashan from Gills, Reuben from Sarnesfield, Alex from Stratton, and Noah from Churchills took to the stage to battle it out to determine who was the strongest puzzler.  Well done to all of the Senior Lexathon Representatives for their effort, but an extra congratulations to Reuben who claimed a victory for Sarnesfield with his Year 6 teammate, Garv.  The rest of the Seniors and I enjoyed working out the puzzles from the floor!  In Form time, we tried our hand at Rebus Puzzles…how many can you get from the ones below?  Max and Grayson got them all!  Our thanks to Mrs Broadis for organising such a wonderful event. 

The Seniors also had their first Parents’ Evening of the academic year, and have thoughtfully reflected on their progress and targets.  On the night, they led the conversations with their teachers, and proactively held mature and fair discussions about their academic trajectory.  We spent a lot of time preparing for this in Form Time, and I am very proud of the way the Seniors have approached this entire Mock Exam season.  This ties in wonderfully with Mrs. Allen’s Year 6 Assembly – to which we were invited – on goal setting, and leads us nicely into some more reflective discussions in Form Time next week before we proceed with our business lessons.

Pupil highlights of the week:

Leandro – I play the piano, so it was brilliant to be inspired by all of the excellent pianists in the Purcell Music Platform.

Joseph – My highlight was parents’ evening because it felt really professional to go around with my clipboard and lead conversations about how I am doing in my lessons.

Eashan – In English I loved making ‘Animalism’ propaganda.  Aydin and I teamed up and wrote out the 7 commandments which the animals said they will live by.  We drew some animals, and put the pigs at the top because there has been lots of foreshadowing that the pigs will take over!

Senior of the Week

Our Senior of the Week is Bolu for his independent commitment to his studies during exam feedback lessons, and towards his studies.  Bolu’s English paper was full of his independent green pen as we were reviewing the answers, demonstrating an excellent attitude to learning.  Bolu took a mature and academic approach to his studies, diligently writing in his reflection sheet at Parents’ Evening to guide his thoughts on his progress and targets.  Bolu reflected in his typical calm, collected and balanced manner in Form Time.  Well done, Bolu!

From Screens to Shared Thinking: Why Play, Passion and Human Connection Still Matter- Mrs Jane Broadis

Every day, I, along with around 11,000 teachers from across the nation, contribute to a data bank by answering questions about our experiences as educators. This data from ‘Teacher Tapp’ is often published in educational articles in the national press, and I was horrified this week to read that 45% of EYFS/KS1 teachers report that they have dealt with pastoral concerns relating to the use of social media apps outside of school, and the same is true for 71% of KS2 teachers. These figures are a stark reminder of just how deeply screens and online platforms are shaping childhood experiences today.

With these figures in mind, this week’s events at Edge Grove were all the more meaningful. Today we had the privilege of hosting a live performance from talented pupils from the local Purcell School. Their musicianship was inspiring, and our children were rightly commended on their attentive listening. Whilst I watched these young performers share their musical talent, I was reminded of what can be achieved when children invest their time, practise with purpose and persevere with resilience. The dedication needed to become proficient on an instrument is particularly impressive in current times, when children’s concentration spans are often challenged and eroded by the constant pull of screens.

Similarly, this week we celebrated the fantastic news that seven more of our pupils have been awarded scholarships: five for academics, another for art and another for sport. These achievements are further evidence of what young people can accomplish when they are given time and encouragement to explore their interests deeply, both in and beyond the classroom.

The Lexathon has been another vibrant example of this. Pupils from Year 2 upwards competed in House teams across spelling rounds, homophones, heteronyms, idioms and logic puzzles – not by tapping screens, but by talking, listening, reasoning and collaborating. The enthusiasm, concentration and laughter demonstrated the cognitive and social benefits of ‘unplugged’ thinking. Through conversation and shared challenge, our children stretched their vocabularies, sharpened their reasoning and strengthened communication skills.

What has delighted me even more is hearing from Year 6 pupils whose parents have chosen to buy them ‘brick’ phones as they prepare for senior school – making a deliberate decision to limit access to social media. This choice signals something very important: a commitment to preserving childhood for longer, giving young people the gift of time to engage in activities that build resilience, curiosity, creativity and meaningful success. This wise decision comes at a time when the Government is being petitioned by the medical profession to limit social media use for under 16s, declaring the impact of screen time and social media on children as a ‘public health emergency’.

Technology clearly has a place in children’s lives and when used well, can enhance learning in powerful ways. However, we cannot lose sight of what truly nurtures growing minds: human connection, sustained focus, purposeful play, experiences that demand persistence, and dialogue. Whether through puzzles and wordplay, live music, academic exploration or thoughtful conversation, Edge Grove pupils continue to show us the real benefits of childhoods well spent.

Let’s continue to champion opportunities that help children flourish  – cognitively, socially and emotionally – in ways that only true engagement with the world, and with each other, can bring.

Future Schools Update

Mrs Broadis, Head of Future Schools Curriculum

Future School News

We were delighted and proud this week to hear news that all our applicants to St Margaret’s School successfully secured places at 11+ and 13+, and of the 9 places offered, 5 pupils have been awarded an Academic Scholarship. Congratulations!

We are still awaiting the outcomes of a number of other Scholarship applications that senior schools have not yet been awarded.

Scholarship News

To date Year 6 pupils have been awarded the following Scholarships:

Abbots Hill English

Abbots Hill Sport

Haileybury Music Exhibition

Haileybury Art

Queenswood Sport

Queenswood Sport

RMS Drama

RMS Sport

St Margaret’s Academic x 5

Interviews for Edge Grove Scholarships and Exhibitions continue next week with awards made week commencing 9th February.

Year 5 Future School Meetings

We encourage all Year 5 parents who have not yet booked a Future School meeting to book with Mr Stanley and Mrs Hodge for early in the new year, to share some preliminary thoughts about senior school education; please email Future Schools.

When are other senior school offers made?

St Margaret’s – no later than first week of February

13th Feb HABS Girls and Boys

13th Feb STAHs

13th Feb Aldenham

13th Feb St Albans

13th Feb Merchant Taylor’s

13th Feb Belmont, Mill Hill

2nd March Hertfordshire Secondary Transfer Allocation Day

Queenswood School Invitation

Queenswood School extend an invitation to all girls in Years 4 and 5 to a Sports Carousel on Saturday 28 February. This fun filled morning will feature netball, hockey, tennis, and badminton, led by the school’s coaches and Director of Sport, Jo Wakeley. Please register through this link.

Future Schools List

Below is a list of those senior schools which Edge Grove families have chosen in the last four years, with links to Admissions pages.

Independent Schools

Abbot’s Hill

Aldenham

Belmont/Mill Hill

Berkhamsted

City of London School

HABS Boys

HABS Girls

Haileybury

Immanuel College

John Lyon

Merchant Taylors’ School

North London Collegiate School

Northwood College

Queenswood

Royal Masonic School

Sherrardswood

St Albans

St Albans High School for Girls

St Columba’s

St Helen’s 

St Margaret’s

St Paul’s 

UCS Hampstead

Wetherby

Wycombe Abbey

13+ Boarding Schools & Colleges

Bede’s

Benenden

Downe House

Charterhouse

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Eton

Harrow

Marlborough

Wellington College

State Schools

Dame Alice Owen’s School

JFS

Henrietta Barnett School

Queen Elizabeth’s School

St Albans Girls’ School 

Herts SW Consortium Schools (Registration for Secondary Transfer into Year 7 for September 2027 opens on 1st April. Parents must register online.) 

Please click here for an update from our Librarian…

Book Corner Friday 30th January 2026

Edge Grove is proud of its diverse community and is delighted to celebrate and raise awareness of the many different neurological types within it. The Neurodiversity Champions Club was founded in 2024 to provide a platform for Edge Grove pupils to learn more about Neurodiversity and to explore ways our differences can be shared, understood and celebrated across the wider school community. The club is open to anyone with a passion for the cause.

This week, some of our Neurodiversity Champions would like to share their thoughts on what Neurodiversity means to them, introduce different neurological types, and highlight some exciting events coming up soon.

What does Neurodiversity mean?

Brains work and learn in different ways. Some people are neurotypical and some people are neurodivergent.

Year 3 Pupil

How many types of Neurodiversity are there?

Well, I’ll list some. ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia and Tourettes. Wow, that’s a lot and we are not even half way. Even if you don’t notice, you still might have it, but don’t worry. Neurodiversity is just brain difference and something to feel proud of. Everyone is different and unique. 

Year 3 Pupil

Neurodiversity Week

Neurodiversity week is coming up (March 16–22) and we are going to hold a special assembly for the Junior and Middle Department. If any child would like to help, they should come and give a note to Mrs Simmonds in the chapel or Mrs Kay in 2K. 

In the assembly we will be talking about how many Neurodiverse types there are and how we can celebrate being different. 

Year 5 Pupil

Purcell School Assembly

What an inspiring morning we had today at Edge Grove! We were delighted to welcome talented Year 12 pupils from The Purcell School, who delivered a captivating assembly for our students. The visitors showcased an impressive range of instruments, including the piano, violin, viola, cello, and guitar, providing a wonderful live demonstration of musical versatility.

Our pupils were treated to some familiar and exciting performances, with the Year 12 musicians playing a thrilling rendition of themes from Pirates of the Caribbean and the ever-popular “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto. This outreach initiative not only introduced our children to the unique sounds and mechanisms of different instruments but also ignited a spark of musical curiosity throughout the hall.

Contact Music@edgegrove.com for information on how to start instrumental lessons here at Edge Grove.

Little Lions

Imaginations ran wild at our Little Lions prospective morning! Designed for children aged 2+, the session featured Mrs. Allen leading our visitors, with the help of Mr. Evans’ musical expertise(!) through a world of song and story.

The children did a brilliant job immersing themselves in character work and creative play; it was a joy to see such wonderful engagement from our littlest learners. A huge thank you to the prospective parents who joined us for this energetic start to the day!

Join Us!

Know a family who would love to join our community? Please help us spread the word! If you know anyone interested in our next taster event, we’d love to meet them.

EGGT Announcement

We have an exciting Edge Grove’s Got Talent announcement coming next week, including the reveal of our judges and our top ten finalists! A huge well done to all pupils who auditioned – the standard was exceptionally high, and we were so impressed by the confidence, creativity and performance skills on display. 

Curriculum-Based Learning

This week’s newsletter offers a window into our curriculum-based learning and provides a closer look at the vibrant, creative work happening within the Performing Arts department at Edge Grove

Reception pupils have been exploring rhythmic patterns through their Minibeasts topic with the help of their Mini Beast helpers, making links between phonetical sounds and musical notation. 

In Year 1, pupils have been enjoying rich cross-curricular learning through Red Riding Hood and Astrogirl, using drama and music to develop imagination, characterisation, expressive movement and storytelling skills, inspired by their English work.

Year 2 pupils have produced superb work in rhythm and notation, consolidating prior learning from EYFS. They are confidently reading rhythmic patterns, developing musical vocabulary and will soon begin writing their own music.

In Year 3, pupils have taken part in cross-curricular drama linked to their Titanic topic in English, exploring character, emotion and narrative through tableaux and hot-seating, while developing speaking, listening and collaborative skills.

Year 4 pupils have been focusing on oracy through Speech and Drama, learning how to be news reporters and developing key performance skills such as clarity of speech, expression and audience awareness from live in the news studio! 

Year 5 have begun their ukulele learning, developing instrumental technique, rhythmic accuracy, ensemble playing and listening skills as they grow in confidence as musicians.

Year 6 Showcase rehearsals are off to a fantastic start, with pupils demonstrating strong focus, discipline and teamwork as they begin to bring An Evening of Oz together.

And finally… our Senior Speech and Drama programme has also begun brilliantly, with pupils engaging thoughtfully in a range of texts from different plays, developing vocal technique, physicality, interpretation and performance confidence.

Well done to all our pupils on enduring the wet conditions this week. You can read the match reports for the fixtures that did go ahead below.

We would also like to make Year 4 and 5 girls aware of a fantastic Sports Carousel day being organised by Queenswood School on Saturday 28th February. This fun-filled morning will feature netball, hockey, tennis, and badminton, led by their expert coaches and Director of Sport, Jo Wakeley. Sessions will take place in their state-of-the-art Q Hall and on their Astro pitches, ensuring an inspiring experience for all. This event is designed especially for girls in Years 4 and 5, of all abilities, and promises energy, learning, and tailored guidance for every participant. Please see their flyer below:

Queenswood Sports Carousel February 2026

If you would like to book a place for your daughter please click the link in the flyer or click here.

Friday 23rd January- Beechwood Park Cross Country

It was a wet and windy day for our first cross-country event of the year as we travelled to Beechwood Park to compete alongside many other schools in their annual cross-country meet. Our seniors led by example, helping to warm up all of our runners and ensuring nerves were well and truly eased. We saw fantastic performances from all of our pupils, with a special mention to Edith, who produced an outstanding run through the mud and puddles to finish 3rd in her age group. Well done to everyone involved.

Saturday 24th January- Orley Farm Basketball Tournament

Our highly talented year 7 and 8 basketball team kicked off their season with the 40th Annual Orley Farm Tournament, held at Harrow School on a crisp Saturday morning. The boys had benefitted from recent professional coaching this term from Coach Dan during their Games and PE sessions and came in with confidence, under the leadership of Captain Isaac “Luke” K. 

During the group games, the boys were having to adjust to the smaller court size and some questionable refereeing, and saw the boys lose subjectively to sharp shooting Westminster by 8-7. By game two, fully warmed up and fired up by another team talk, the team cruised to a 14-4 victory over Durston House A, with the dominant Leandro Luca playing strong under the basket and demonstrating excellent footwork and the team giving away less turnovers. This followed a royal drubbing of Orley Farm B by 18-3 with Leandro thriving yet again, with the athletic impact of Blake, Aiden and Bolu.

This lined up a semi-final encounter against the high flying and reigning champions, Orley Farm A, who had cruised to victory in each group stage by 20 and 30 points. The Edge Grove boys rose to the occasion, shutting them down at every defensive opportunity. With a tightly contested game, a last gasp basket from Orley Farm saw our boys losing just 4-2 and securing a 3rd place out of 8 teams based on points.

Orley Farm progressed to the final, losing to a last minute 3-pointer by our original nemesis Westminster – leaving the entire gym absolutely speechless. A complete rollercoaster of passion and raw emotion.

Coach Dan commented: “I was overwhelmingly impressed by the boys, who truly rose to the occasion after only just a handful of structured sessions. Their ability to move beautifully, follow instructions and play at a high intensity throughout was hugely admirable and you could tell by how impressed the parents were. They didn’t win overall, but when you play consistently at such a high level, this is a huge win in itself. Whilst Leandro is the only one that is 6 foot, all the boys left the gym 6 foot tall that day. With upcoming fixtures and the huge IAPS tournament on 14th March, the boys will be ready and primed to go all the way. This is a golden team of immense talent.”

Squad: Isaac K; Leandro M; Bolu M; Blake H; Aiden K; Ayden J; Alex GR

Inset: EG Nursery pupil Oscar gives the boys extra luck in their team talk

Wednesday 28th January

Edge Grove U11A vs Heath Mount 

Edge Grove 3-9 Heath Mount 

Edge Grove U11A put in a spirited performance against Heath Mount but ultimately fell to a 9–3 defeat in an entertaining and hard-fought fixture.

Edge Grove started the match extremely well, showing real intent and discipline. Their focus on depth in attack, a flat line defence, and an outstanding counter-ruck was evident from the outset. In the opening ten minutes, Edge Grove consistently competed at the breakdown, turning over possession and preventing Heath Mount from building momentum. This period saw the game evenly balanced, with both teams enjoying spells of possession and territory.

However, after Heath Mount scored two quick tries, Edge Grove unfortunately reverted to old habits. Defensive spacing dropped and attacking shape became less consistent, allowing Heath Mount to gain control of the game.

Despite this, there were some excellent individual performances. Itai worked tirelessly in defence throughout the match, repeatedly getting off the line with real intent and putting in a number of strong, well-timed tackles that kept Edge Grove competitive.

The second half saw a much-improved Edge Grove side. The boys showed greater composure and teamwork, continuing to work hard at the breakdown and moving the ball with purpose. This improvement was rewarded with three well-worked tries, scored by Hunter, Aiwa, and Louis, highlighting the attacking potential within the team when they stick to their structures.

Overall, while the result didn’t go Edge Grove’s way, there were plenty of positives to take forward particularly the strong counter-rucking, the excellent opening phase, and the positive response shown in the second half. The focus now will be on maintaining these standards consistently across the whole match.

Edge Grove U11B vs Heath Mount 

Edge Grove 0-12 Heath Mount 

The U11B boys faced a very strong Heath Mount side today, who delivered an absolutely sterling performance throughout the match. Heath Mount showed real quality with powerful ball carrying, strong tackling, and excellent teamwork, ultimately securing a 12–0 victory.

While the result was not what Edge Grove had hoped for, the boys can hold their heads high after putting in a reasonable effort against tough opposition. It proved to be a valuable learning experience, highlighting the intensity and discipline required at this level of rugby.

A huge shout out to Luke, who produced an outstanding individual performance, showing determination and resilience from start to finish. Well done to all involved for their effort and sportsmanship.

Edge Grove U11/10 Touch vs Heath Mount

Edge Grove 3-10 Heath Mount

Edge Grove welcomed Heath Mount for a home fixture that highlighted just how much the squad has progressed since the start of term. The improvement was evident from the opening whistle, with a disciplined defensive structure that successfully frustrated the Heath Mount attackers in the early exchanges. Communication across the pitch was fantastic as the boys worked together to press the defensive line while simultaneously looking to stretch their own shape to create space. Despite conceding a few tries before the end of the first quarter, there were numerous positives to be proud of in their organisation and effort.

The team’s hard work was rewarded in the second quarter when they scored their first try of the season. After the attacking line expertly stretched the opposition, an inviting gap appeared for Aahil, who used his impressive speed to burst through and score. Although the game flowed back and forth and a couple of tries were conceded, the boys stuck together admirably. Aman, Garv, Jesse, and Arhaan took on leadership roles, constantly vocalising instructions to arrange the team around them and maintain their composure.

After half-time, Edge Grove executed a lovely, decisive move; Garv and Jesse both reacted instantly to being tackled by offloading the ball at pace, allowing Garv to cross the line. Jesse followed this up with a try of his own, showing great determination to reach the corner despite heavy pressure from the defence. Joshy remained a constant threat with his purposeful running, while Avi, Kush, and Hamza showed bravery as they looked to find and exploit gaps in the opposing defensive lines.

The match reached a thrilling conclusion with one final attack that looked certain to result in another try, only for a knock-on right on the try line to deny the boys a fourth try. Nevertheless, this was a brilliant step forward from week one, and we hope to see this improvement continue into next week’s fixtures.

Edge Grove U10A vs Heath Mount

Edge Grove 4-10 Heath Mount

We played against a very experienced and strong team on Wednesday who are all playing club rugby and the experience definitely showed early on. We were a little reluctant to tackle their strong runners and the tries soon started to mount up. A quick team talk about remembering to rush up on defence and tackle before they were running at pace made a big difference and we grew in confidence as the game wore on. We started to put some good phases together however we ran out of patience at times and gave the ball away too easily. Kwabena and Harry both scored tries with some very strong running and the rest of the team were able to support them and create a number of chances that we could unfortunately not convert. Although this was a tough game we will certainly learn from it and will be better as a result. 

Edge Grove U10B vs Heath Mount (Training Game) – Match Report

The Edge Grove U10B rugby team hosted Heath Mount in a home fixture that proved to be a valuable learning experience for our players. Heath Mount arrived as a very strong and well-organised side, and the match quickly became an opportunity for Edge Grove to focus on key areas of development rather than the scoreline. Throughout the game, the Edge Grove players worked hard on improving their tackling technique, pushing up together in a strong defensive line, and developing quicker rucking and passing skills. Despite the pressure applied by the opposition, the boys showed great resilience, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn, embracing the challenge with excellent attitude and effort. In the spirit of sportsmanship and development, Heath Mount kindly rotated a number of their players to play for the Edge Grove team, allowing for a more balanced and inclusive match. This gave Edge Grove players further opportunities to understand positioning, teamwork, and game flow. Overall, the fixture was an extremely productive training match that highlighted the boys’ commitment and progress. The team should be proud of their effort, and the lessons learned will be invaluable as they continue to develop their rugby skills.

Colts A Netball vs St Columba’s

Edge Grove 16-5 St Columba’s

It was a fantastic, though cold, afternoon of netball. By half time we were 10–2 up. At this point the team was changed around, but despite having a side playing out of position for the next quarter, we still managed to score another five goals. By the end of the game we had secured a convincing 16–5 win.

Our centre passes were flawless, often needing just two passes down the court to create a shot on goal. At times we had to slow the play down to ensure we were fully composed before making the next pass, but overall the decision-making was excellent. I cannot fault any of our Edge Grove players this week. They took everything from training straight into the game, and it was fantastic to see.

Colts B Netball vs St Columba’s

Edge Grove 10-2 St Columba’s

Colts B produced a fantastic team performance this week, with every player working tirelessly in their respective positions. The team showed excellent composure and skill, transferring the ball seamlessly up the court to create numerous shooting opportunities.

In the second quarter, Edge Grove found it challenging to match the increased pace set by St Colomba’s. However, following a change in positions, Colts B responded with great determination. The players kept their heads high and delivered a strong defensive effort, making crucial interceptions and successfully slowing down St Colomba’s fast transitions.

Overall, it was a great game of netball. Well done!

Thursday 29th January

Mrs Emms team Edge Grove 3-7 Kingshott

A slow first quarter of the U9 netball match to start with; however, after a change in positions and a team chat at quarter time, we came back ready to fight. Iylah and Alessandra moved the ball down the court with power and precision, which led to us scoring a couple of well-earned goals. By the third quarter we were fully in our stride, making some great interceptions and slowing the pace of the game. A fantastic game of netball overall, with lots to build on for the future.

Mrs Warnes’ team Edge Grove 2 – Kingshott 6

We started the match strongly, taking an early lead of 2–0 in the first quarter. Kingshott then found their feet and adopted a very defensive style of play, making it challenging for us to break through to our Goal Attack and Goal Shooters. Toyosi and Leah worked well together, showing great determination to fight back and drive the attack forward. Miny also worked hard to open up the game and demonstrated excellent movement on the court. Although we were unfortunate to lose, the team showed fantastic determination and resilience throughout, which was very impressive to see.

Miss Evans team Yellow

Edge Grove 7-6 York House

The U8 Miss Evans Yellow team produced an outstanding performance, working their socks off in a thrilling and closely contested match that Edge Grove won 7–6.

From the first whistle, the girls attacked with real intent, showing excellent movement by running into space and moving the ball quickly and confidently through the court. Their teamwork and willingness to pass made them difficult to defend and created numerous scoring opportunities. One of the highlights of the match was an exceptional centre pass, where Edge Grove moved the ball with just two passes from the centre to score a fantastic example of sharp thinking, speed, and teamwork. The game remained very competitive throughout, with both teams battling hard in all areas of the court. Edge Grove showed great determination and composure in such a close contest, which proved vital in securing the narrow victory. Goals were shared across the team, with Alisha scoring 3, Lara scoring 2, and Clara scoring 2, reflecting the excellent attacking contributions from everyone. A well deserved player of the match went to Alisha selected by York House players. Overall, this was a brilliant team performance full of energy, effort, and positivity. Well done to all the girls on a superb win! 

Miss Evans team Blue

Edge Grove 4-1 York House

The U8 Miss Evans Blue team put in an excellent performance, showing real confidence and flair in attack throughout the match. The girls started the game strongly and were outstanding going forward, moving the ball quickly and finding space well across the court. Their attacking play created numerous chances, with sharp passing and positive movement making it difficult for the opposition to apply pressure. As the game progressed, one key learning point emerged. When transitioning from attack to defence, the team will need to work on staying tight to their players and reacting quickly once possession is lost. With a little more focus in this area, the Blue team will become even harder to break down. There were some fantastic individual moments, particularly from Elizabeth, whose composure and accuracy in front of goal saw her score three goals, earning her a well-deserved Player of the Match award. Nyla also contributed well in attack, adding a goal of her own. Overall, this was a very positive team performance with lots to build on. The girls should be proud of their effort, attitude, and attacking quality well done, Blue team! 

Miss Corins’ team 

Edge Grove 3-3 York House

We had another great game that finished 3–3 after a very tense and competitive match. The girls worked incredibly hard from start to finish and showed real determination throughout. Goals came from Isabella, Aria and Luna, with all three showing great effort and confidence going forward. The team passed the ball well and worked together to create chances, while also putting in a big shift defensively. Willow did a brilliant job marking her player and never gave them any space. Isabella also made some really important interceptions, helping to break up play and keep the pressure on the opposition. Overall, it was a strong team performance and a game the girls can be really proud of.

Miss Lundrigans’ team 

Edge Grove 6-0 York House

Well done to Edge Grove for another fantastic game and a big 6–0 win. The girls played really well as a team and showed great awareness on the pitch. They were looking to pass to each other, intercept the ball whenever they could, and worked hard to mark the opposing team throughout the match. Daisy showed excellent shooting and made the most of her chances in front of goal. Amelia put in a strong performance with great marking and some well-timed interceptions. Leah was solid at the back with some great catching, and Aalia showed brilliant spacing, always finding space and supporting her teammates. A great all-round team effort and a performance to be proud of.

U8 Mr Hunt Match Report – Lockers Park Triangular 

The U8 Rugby teams travelled to Lockers Park to take part in a triangular fixture against Lockers Park and St Columba’s. Both squads produced some excellent rugby and represented the school superbly.Team 1 started strongly, drawing their opening match 1–1 against Lockers Park in a well-contested game. They followed this up with an impressive 4–2 victory over St Columba’s, showing great teamwork and determination throughout.Team 2 also enjoyed a very positive morning. They secured a confident 4–2 win against St Columba’s in their first match before finishing with a hard-fought 0–0 draw against Lockers Park. Across both teams, the players demonstrated fantastic ball-handling skills, good support play, and plenty of enthusiasm. There were some excellent passages of play that highlighted how well the squads are developing. Looking ahead, both teams should focus on running forward with the ball rather than drifting sideways, becoming more tactically aware during games, and improving their technique when making touches on the hip.Overall, it was a very encouraging set of performances from all players, well done to everyone involved.

U8 Mr McManus Match Report – Lockers Park Triangular 

We had an excellent afternoon of rugby with the boys showing how much they have learnt so far this term. The ball handling was very impressive and all the boys showed that they had a good understanding of the game. Stand out performers on defence were Fritz, Milo and Zak T and on attack Ruairi, Devan, Zakaria D and Theo all excelled with the ball in hand. Well done to all the boys on an excellent afternoon of rugby.

U8 Mrs Futerill Match Report – Lockers Park C Team Match

The boys delivered an outstanding performance today, demonstrating a high level of tactical discipline and maturity beyond their years. From the opening whistle, it was clear that the team was well-organised, maintaining their positions effectively and playing with a cohesive strategy that kept the opposition on the back foot.

A key highlight of the match was the boys’ ability to reflect and adapt; during the breaks, they engaged in highly effective team talks, using the time to hone their tactics and refine their approach for the following quarters. This proactive communication paid off on the pitch. Max was superb in attack, running forward with incredible purpose and showing absolutely no fear of collision as he drove through the opposition’s line to gain vital ground.

Supporting the offensive play, Nathaniel and Rishi were instrumental in maintaining the team’s shape. Their spatial awareness ensured they were always available as outlets, enabling fluid passing sequences even when under heavy pressure or being tackled. Defensively, the team was just as sharp. Asher and Ishan worked tirelessly, showing great hunger to win back the ball by running quickly to intercept passes and putting in strong, well-timed tackles.

The scoring was a true reflection of the collective effort, with many of the boys crossing the line for well-earned tries. It was a brilliant team performance characterized by bravery, communication, and hard work. A huge well done to everyone involved for such a spirited and successful afternoon of rugby!

Digital parenting can feel like one of the toughest parts of raising children today. The online world is moving fast and is not always designed with children’s wellbeing in mind. So how do we digitally upskill and keep young people safe while still empowering them to learn, connect and thrive? And how do we set healthy boundaries that protect them from digital harms, especially in an online environment increasingly shaped by algorithms that influence what children see, think and engage with?

Tooled Up has a range of practical resources to help parents navigate this complex and ever-changing landscape with confidence.

For parents of younger children, one of the biggest decisions is when and how to introduce smartphones. This is not a small step and it deserves careful thought. Our resource Phones and Devices is designed for busy parents who want clear guidance on setting boundaries, rules and expectations around digital technology, helping families establish healthy online habits from the start.

As children grow and spend more time online, another important and often invisible influence comes into play: algorithms. Algorithms are not designed for people but for use on people, learning from what we watch, like and click on. They shape what children see online, the choices presented to them, and can influence how they think and behave. Developing Algorithmic Literacy shares some of the best evidence-based resources designed to help young people navigate and understand online algorithms.

For a balanced update on both the digital risks and benefits young people are now exposed to, watch our webinar Digital Risks and Harms Affecting Teens: Tips for Parents where forensic psychologist Dr Aiman El Asam explores the emerging challenges.