This Week at Edge Grove

It was a pleasure to welcome so many prospective families to our Open Morning today and to share all that Edge Grove has to offer. The children, as always, were brilliant ambassadors for the school, and I’m quite sure that any visitor would have been persuaded by their enthusiasm and warmth! A special thank you, also, goes to Mrs Gaine and Mrs Hanna for organising our new eye-catching signs for the Junior Department. I do hope you like them as much as we do.

In assembly this week, we explored the significance of Black History Month and reflected on what it means to us as a Junior Department. Our school librarian, Mrs Volioti, has also curated a wonderful book display in the library to support this focus. I have no doubt that the children will enjoy discovering the stories and voices represented there.

We also had an exciting new arrival in our EYFS playground: our very own curriculum shed! Reception children wasted no time putting it to use, transforming it into a bustling market to link with their current story, Jack and the Beanstalk. Do keep an eye out for it at drop-off as it will change purpose throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Year 1 have been showing themselves to be very capable mathematicians. I was fortunate to spend some time with them this week, and it is safe to say that not only can they confidently complete their number bonds to 10, but they are also using this knowledge to extend their learning by working on number bonds to 20 and even 100. What fantastic progress!

My weekly Science lesson with Year 2 was great fun as we explored what animals need in order to survive. The children were introduced to ‘Mrs Wynne’s’ imaginary pets: Slim the Stick Insect and Winston the Dog, as well as her real-life cat, Bluebell. They came up with some excellent instructions for how to keep them alive while I am on holiday. Their creativity and scientific thinking were wonderful to see!

Next week, I very much look forward to seeing you at our first Parents’ Evening of the year. Have a restful weekend.

Mrs Wynne
Assistant Head (Junior)

Nursery

We’ve had a fantastic week in Nursery! In Phonics, we focused on the ‘s’ sound, and the children did a brilliant job thinking of words that start with it, such as sun, sock, snake, and sand. They loved sharing their ideas and listening for the sound in different words. In Maths, we continued to explore patterns. The children enjoyed creating their own using colours, shapes, and natural objects. They were very proud of their colourful and creative pattern work! We also learned all about Autumn. The children were fascinated by how the leaves on the trees had changed colour and started to fall. We went on a nature walk, collecting leaves, twigs, and conkers, and talked about the changes we could see around us. It’s been a wonderful week full of learning, creativity, and exploration. Well done, Nursery!

Reception News

We’ve had another busy week in Reception! In Maths, the children have been learning how to represent numbers. Each child was given a number and worked hard to collect the correct amount of objects, before practising drawing the matching numeral. It was fantastic to see them counting so carefully and showing their understanding in different ways. In Literacy, we explored the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. The children really enjoyed joining in with the story and acting it out. We also set up an outdoor Farmer’s Market role-play area where the children could pretend to buy and sell items. They loved being shopkeepers and customers, using real objects, money, and signs to bring their play to life! In Phonics, we focused on the sounds ‘i’ and ‘n’; playing sorting games to help us to hear the initial sounds of words. One of the children’s favourite activities was a game of musical chairs but with sound cards! It was lovely to see so many children choosing to use the sound cards during their free play too.

Year 1 News

After a number of weeks of thoroughly exploring our class text, The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Year 1 absolutely loved being able to host their own tea party at the end of the week. They enjoyed their special snacks and we took the opportunity to discuss everything we have learnt in English, from writing instructions, to writing a party invitation – it certainly was a lot, phew! In maths, the children have enjoyed creating number-bond ‘rainbows’ to find the corresponding addition facts, and in science we used our sense of touch to explore a range of different objects. We learnt lots of new vocabulary, such as ‘spongy’ and ‘rubbery’. Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of the human body?

A fabulous week of learning! Well done, Year 1!

Year 2 News

The children have continued their exciting exploration of Expressionism, focusing on the work of Vincent van Gogh. Using oil pastels to capture the buttery, vibrant colours typical of this art movement, they have been practising expressive mark-making techniques such as hatching, dashes, and stippling to bring their artwork to life.

In English, the children have been venturing into the mischievous world of The Twits, where the two pranksters compete in hilariously wicked ways. The children have enjoyed experimenting with expanded noun phrases, alliterative sentences, and super similes. We have been delighted by the creativity and imagination they have shown in their writing.

Our history lessons on the First World War continue to fascinate the children. They have been studying maps of Europe both before and after the war, discussing the significant changes to borders and countries. Their curiosity and thoughtful questions show just how engaged they are in learning about this important period of history.

This week, we have been focusing on the important value of respect, beginning with a thoughtful middle-school assembly. The children have been exploring what respect looks like in our classrooms, on the playground, and in our daily interactions with one another. We are also continuing to practise our morning greetings, encouraging everyone to start the day with a smile and to make eye contact when saying, “Good Morning.” It has been wonderful to see the children growing in confidence and showing such kindness towards each other.

As always, it has been a wonderful week of learning, filled with curiosity, laughter, and new achievements. A gentle reminder to families to please ensure that all items of clothing are clearly labelled, as this helps us return lost belongings quickly and keep everyone’s things safe—some labels may need refreshing. Thank you for your continued support in helping us create such a positive and caring school community.

I wish you all a peaceful and restful weekend.

Mrs Tora Hodge
Deputy Head (Academic)

Year 3 – Miss Kyriacou, Miss Corin, Miss Lundrigan

We are delighted to share the exciting learning journey our pupils have embarked on this week. The children have been shining stars, bringing enthusiasm and creativity to every lesson. It’s wonderful to see how much effort they are putting into their school work, and we are so proud of their achievements!

In English, we have been diving into the world of paragraphs and descriptive language, which has been so much fun! The children are becoming little authors, crafting stories and writing diaries with such imagination and flair. It’s amazing to see their ideas come to life on paper!

In maths, our focus has been on Roman numerals. The children have shown great curiosity and are beginning to master mental methods to solve addition and subtraction problems. Keep up the excellent work, everyone!

In PSHE, we are exploring the themes of friendship and the strategies to overcome challenges. It’s heart-warming to see the children supporting each other and learning essential life skills. In TPR (Theology, Philosophy, and Religion), we continue our exploration of Christianity. We’ve been discovering special places and symbols and what they mean to different people. It’s been an enlightening journey filled with meaningful discussions.

We would like to extend a huge congratulations to our amazing girls’ sports team for their wonderful performance in their very first away match! We are incredibly proud of the skills, teamwork, and positivity they demonstrated during the game. It’s fantastic to see our pupils working together and supporting one another with such enthusiasm and spirit.

Year 4 – Mrs Futerill, Mrs Warnes

The highlight of our week has to be our virtual author visit with Nigel Blackman, the author of our book of the term Freedom for Bron. What an honour it was to welcome Nigel into our classroom and talk to him about life as an author. We are very much enjoying Freedom for Bron and being able to speak to Nigel about the inspiration behind the book was an incredible experience.

This week, we explored how powerful adjectives can help create vivid imagery in our writing. We began by building word banks and then used them to craft detailed character descriptions of a Jute child and a Raider, inspired by our class text Freedom for Bron. T4W loved reading their descriptions aloud to one another. Next, we’ll be developing these characters further by turning our descriptions into short stories!

This week, our Year 4 scientists dived into an exciting hands-on experiment to explore the fascinating concepts of heat transfer and measurement. They observed a real-world example of how energy moves from a warmer object to a cooler one. We used containers of lukewarm water and added frozen balloons to the water. We used thermometers to measure the water (the warmer object) lost heat energy to the ice inside the balloon (the cooler object). This is a fundamental principle of science: heat always moves from a warmer area to a cooler area until the temperatures equalise.

Year 5 – Mr Russell and Mrs O’Brien

We finish Week 5 after another action-packed few days . The children continue to impress with their achievements and attitude to learning. Here is a round up of what we have been up to. 

In PSHE, our lessons focused on a crucial topic: challenging stereotypes. The children participated in an activity where they looked at various careers and were asked to consider who they thought would choose that path. We were thrilled to see their observations that, for the vast majority of careers, anyone can do it! This open-mindedness and realisation is a fantastic step toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable perspective in the world.

Thursday’s assembly was dedicated to highlighting what a healthy friendship looks like. The Year 5 children worked in mixed groups with their Year 6 peers to tackle various friendship scenarios, offering advice on how best to overcome common situations. We finished with a powerful takeaway: we can choose whether to let small things affect our entire day, or whether to be strong, resilient, and move past them.

We are pleased to start our participation in the celebration of Black History Month this October! Zach from the Seniors really sparked enthusiasm in the Headmaster’s assembly with the introduction of the BHM door decoration competition. The theme for this year is Standing Firm in Power and Pride, and the children have already started buzzing with ideas about how we can decorate our Year 5 classroom doors to reflect this inspiring message. 

Mrs Broadis also introduced another exciting BHM competition relating to the inspirational figure of Josephine Baker. Baker spent her youth in poverty before learning to dance and finding success on Broadway. In the 1920s she moved to France and soon became one of Europe’s most popular and highest-paid performers. She worked for the French Resistance during World War II, and during the 1950s and ’60s devoted herself to fighting segregation and racism in the United States. Our challenge is to create a piece of work in a chosen media to teach others about the positive influence she had on the world. The deadline for the competition is the 3rd of November and we are excited to see what the children come up with. 

The children have been busy across many different areas this week. Seb has been a fantastic help to Mrs Doughty, preparing the forest school for some of the younger year groups. He carefully cut branches with precision to allow room for dens to be built. Rayan loved building a dome in the swimming pool using different pieces of equipment. Harry was a fantastic sportsman during games this week and commented on how nice it was to sit with the opposition during match tea to get to know them better. Kwabena was really proud to play his match, having worked hard to earn his place in the C team. Kush and Teddy were keen scientists this week, completing a number of exciting experiments and taking part in a 100-word challenge on plants.

It has been an exceptionally busy week for performing arts! Both the Bugsy Malone auditions and the preparations for the Year 5 showcase have taken centre stage. Wyatt is really enjoying performing the songs from Mulan, whilst Kevin cannot help singing along to “Sinje nje nje.” Lily and Leila have also loved learning the routine for one of their upcoming dance performances. It is fantastic to see so many of the children embracing the chance to perform and showcase their talents!

Have a lovely weekend!

This week, the Seniors went on a fantastic trip to Sky Studios as part of their Diploma and careers education.  The workshop took pupils through the process of how a film develops from pitch to screen, and the Seniors had the privilege of a backstage, behind-the-scenes look at the film industry with a tour of the studio.  In the run up to our visit in Form Time, the Seniors watched a virtual masterclass where they created film pitches in groups, and voted on the one to make together on the big day.  Congratulations to Aiden, Blake, Joseph and Alex whose idea of ‘Watch the Dark’, a horror set in an abandoned military warehouse, was our winning film that we all put our support behind to create.  

In the studio, pupils assigned each other roles based on their strengths, and I was so pleased and proud of how seamless and collaborative this proved to be: lovely comments such as “Aydin is amazing at filming; he has to work the camera!” and “Reuben and Alex are so organised: they have to be our producers” and “Stand up, Drama Ignite, you should be the actors!” were heard, and there was a true sense of unity right from the beginning.

Using cutting-edge technology (called XR), pupils brought ‘Watch the Dark’ to reality.  View their fantastic trailer here!

The rest of the day was spent learning about the possible career paths into the film industry, undertaking a tour of the studio, and watching the film pitches (just like the one we created!) for big blockbusters in their cinema room.  It was a wonderful day, and Mrs. Allen and I were so impressed with the Seniors’ engagement.  What an experience!  The Seniors have written up their highlights below.  A lot of them mention the Jurassic World jeep, and you can view the collage of all of our jeep photos below, as well as more photos from the day.

Joe: I was the editor, alongside Eashan, and I really enjoyed putting together our film.  We had to listen out for when Alex said ‘cut!’, and, using the XR, cut parts out and add in special effects and sounds.  I love editing videos in my own time and can really see myself working there in the future.  

Blake: I liked watching the behind-the-scenes pitch of Jurassic Park (which was filmed in Studio 11 where we toured) and then going to get a photo sitting in the original Jurassic World jeep!  Before we left, I drew sketches of what the creature would look like.

Bolu: I really enjoyed the cinematic experience at the end of the trip where we watched some pitch films (like the one we created!) for Wicked, which was the first film filmed in SkyStudios.  The surround sound was amazing!

Grayson: I was the stylist: I sorted out everyone’s costumes and props.  I enjoy textiles, so I was really happy to have this role and use my creative skills.  Everything there was literally amazing and has changed my view of things: you can make something so cool with such little time.  Something so small can make something so beautiful.  

Leandro: I loved seeing how everyone worked together to collaborate and how so many roles are needed to make a movie.  I was an actor and I loved working with everyone in small parts to make something big.

Aiden: I was the Director and I really enjoyed putting everything together for the film…especially as the idea for ‘Watch the Dark’ was my group’s!  I also enjoyed getting to go in the original Jurassic Park jeep at the end. 

Harry: I liked the careers session and learning all about what you need to do to make it in the film business.

Eashan: As the editors, Joe and I got to edit ‘Watch the Dark’ into a real trailer.  We had to cut the film to make it cleaner and add sound effects.  I learnt that editing is really hard under pressure!  Sometimes there were only a few minutes before the next take!

Alex: I was the Producer and I loved being able to actually pull the trailer together behind the scenes.  I had to do the countdown to filming, say when to ‘Cut!’ and make sure that everything was in place and everyone was working with each other, and that all the themes matched the costumes.  I really enjoyed our day.

Reuben: I particularly enjoyed watching the pitch film for the 2nd Wicked film in the mini cinema. I also liked learning about the Sky studio site itself. It was a very interesting day!

Aydin:  I enjoyed controlling the camera.  In my free time, I usually film for my sister’s music videos, so being the cameraman for our own film was really fun.  I also really liked the card game where we explored the different careers in the film industry.

NATIONAL POETRY DAY

In English, the Seniors leafed through a WW1 poetry anthology until they found a poem which resonated with them.  Either independently or in pairs, they considered the language, structure and themes of their chosen poem, and practised reading it aloud using their voice for effect.  We had some friendly competition in the air as two Commendations were promised for the class vote and the teacher vote.  The class voted on Bolu & Eashan’s exploration of Kipling’s “My Boy Jack” as their chosen winner, as they made particularly effective reading of the dialogue and drew our attention to the tidal imagery mirroring the narrator’s hope that his son will return, as the tide inevitably does.  Blake earnt my vote for his reading of Owen’s “The Last Laugh” and his close attention to Owen’s use of irony.  Blake was hugely impressive as he drew on his wider learning through spotting some features which he described to be “typical of Owen” which really was something to consider.  I read my favourite WW1 poem “Elegy in a County Churchyard” and the boys were quick to spot the accusatory tone after the volta in the final stanza.  Happy Poetry Day!  

SENIOR OF THE WEEK

Our Senior of the Week is Aiden!  Aiden showed fantastic creativity and initiative in the run-up to and during our visit to SkyStudios.  Aiden was instrumental in ensuring that everyone understood the vision for ‘Watch the Dark’ and that everyone felt included and had a role to play.  Aiden also showed impeccable behaviours for learning throughout the trip.  Quiet by nature, Aiden stepped out of his comfort zone and truly harnessed this opportunity to lead the group.  Aiden has won the coveted ‘squishy’ from the prize chest.   

Have a good week: check back next Friday to read all about how the Seniors take the lead for Black History Month. 

Miss Senior

Poetry Matters

Mrs Jane Broadis – Head of English and Future Schools Curriculum

Poetry matters. From the earliest rhymes that babies learn, bouncing on their parents’ knees, to the poetry anthology all sixteen-year-olds study as part of their English Literature GCSE, poetry teaches children of the power that can come from carefully-chosen vocabulary, often driven by rhythm and rhyme, or left in lyrical meandering free-verse.

National Poetry Day, which always falls in the first week of October, and which we celebrated yesterday, gives us an opportunity to share our favourite poems.

At Edge Grove, we have an English curriculum which gives children the opportunity to encounter a rich variety of poems, which in turn inspires them to write their own.  Children journey from classic rhymes in Nursery Reading Bags for our youngest children; through haikus and kennings to narrative poems such as Causley’s ‘Highwayman’ in their middle years; to more modern pieces by former Poet Laureate, Joseph Coelho, and award-winning poet Matt Goodfellow in Year 6; to the work of World War 1 poets: Pope, Owen, McCrae and Sassoon in Year 8. We have a growing collection of poetry anthologies in all school libraries, such is the importance of verse in children’s lives, and learning poetry helps children develop their understanding of the power of words whilst learning new vocabulary.  Research tells us that the breadth of a child’s vocabulary at 5 years old is one of the most powerful predictors of academic attainment later in future years.    

How can poetry help children develop reading skills?  

Poetry is an invaluable resource in any child’s reading journey.

• Poetry teaches young readers about sound: Reading poetry helps children with expression and prosody (the stresses and intonation in language).  Poetry can teach young readers about speech patterns, and literary techniques involving sounds such as onomatopoeia, alliteration and assonance.
• Poetry improves reading aloud: Reading poetry aloud, just like reading other genres aloud, can help children improve their fluency. When children read poetry aloud, they have to think about the message that a poem is communicating and read with appropriate expression to convey this.

• Poetry builds vocabulary: Like any form of reading, poetry can introduce children to new words and in poetry in particular, they may be introduced to new words in unfamiliar contexts. 

• Poetry encourages creativity: Poetry can help children tap into their creativity by encouraging them to think about the new and unexpected relationships between words.

• Poetry can motivate children to read: Some children can be reluctant readers and feel overwhelmed by pages heavy with text.  As poetry is typically only a few lines, it may feel less daunting to tackle a poem as opposed to a longer book.  (A whole new genre of fiction is now available for readers in Year 5+ called verse novels.)

Can I recommend that you visit some of your favourite poems with your children?

This website from The Poetry Foundation is a good place to find those school classics, and this website called the Poetry Archive is fantastic for children.

You can also sign up to receive a Poem of the Week for your family here.

Edge Grove’s 2026 Musical! 

Well done to everyone who took part in the Bugsy Malone auditions this week. Mr Evans and I were so impressed with your energy and enthusiasm. The full cast will be revealed soon.

We are now five weeks into the term and showing no signs of slowing down!

The week began with our U13s delivering a very respectable set of results at the U13 IAPS Football tournament, a strong start that set the tone for the days ahead. This momentum carried through with a packed schedule of hockey and football fixtures against a variety of schools, showcasing the talent and determination of our pupils.

We rounded off the week on a high with a fantastic Open Morning. It was a real pleasure to see our pupils shine as they took part in a wide range of sporting activities, demonstrating both skill and school spirit to our visitors.

As we approach the final two weeks of this half term, a gentle reminder that pupils should continue to bring their swimming bags into school each week until the October half term.

Please also see a poster below about London Pulse Netball.

Sports Scholarship Programme – Tuesday Morning Update

Session Two: Fundamental Strength & Conditioning

This week our Sports Scholars took part in an intense and rewarding Fundamental Strength & Conditioning session, building on the strong start they made in Week One during their fitness tests.

The focus was on developing the physical foundations that every athlete needs to perform at their best. Students worked through a challenging blend of upper body endurance exercises, before moving on to explosive lower body power drills and introducing them to plyometrics. Core stability and control were also tested, giving them the chance to see how different muscle groups link together to support performance.

It was fantastic to see every student pushing themselves well outside their comfort zone and showing real commitment to their personal progress. The energy in the room was excellent, with students encouraging one another and demonstrating the drive and resilience required.

These sessions are not just about building strength; they’re about developing a robust athletic foundation that supports injury prevention, enhances confidence, and prepares our Scholars to thrive across all sports.

We are incredibly proud of the effort and determination shown this week, a real step forward in their journey!

Edge Grove U13 Football: IAPS Competition Report

The Edge Grove U13 football team participated in the IAPS Competition on Monday, September 29th, hosted at Bishop Stortford College. The tournament featured intense, quick-fire matches lasting just 8 minutes each. The boys displayed tremendous effort, resilience, and teamwork throughout the day.

Group Stage Results

The group stage proved to be a tough test, with every match being a tight, defensive battle:

• Edge Grove 0 – 1 Westbrook Hay
• Edge Grove 0 – 0 Heath Mount
• Edge Grove 0 – 0 Chigwell School
• Edge Grove 0 – 1 Langley Prep

The defensive strength of the team was evident, conceding very few goals and holding two strong opponents to nil-all draws.

The Bowl Final

The team’s efforts saw them progress to the Bowl Final, where they played against Bishops Gate School. Following another closely contested match, the game ended in a 0-0 draw, resulting in Edge Grove sharing the Bowl trophy. 

A fantastic end to a day of hard-fought football!

Player Highlights

Several players delivered standout performances, contributing significantly to the team’s success:

• Aiden was a defensive powerhouse. He was exceptionally strong, making several crucial slide tackles and utilising his speed to counter attacking threats. His clearances up to the strikers were consistently accurate and effective.
• Max was simply incredible in goal. He thwarted the opposition with multiple stunning saves throughout the tournament. His distribution was equally exceptional, with consistent, explosive throws from the hand finding the midfielders with pace and precision.
• Bolu was a forceful presence, strong on the ball and unafraid to make big challenges. He posed a significant threat to the opposition’s smaller forwards and came agonizingly close to scoring an exceptional goal in the Bowl Final after a neat give-and-go with Isaac.
• Alexander was a tireless worker up front, utilizing his pace, determination, and guile to great effect. He constantly chased down defenders and generated opportunities for the team.
• Leandro injected incredible energy into the midfield. He made some telling tackles and delivered several good through balls. His intensity throughout the day was arguably the highest it’s been all season.
• Isaac was a continuous threat in possession and found himself with several opportunities to score, though he was unfortunately unable to find the back of the net.
• Aydin worked diligently in midfield, helping the team maintain possession and enjoying a positive morning of football.
• Zach played admirably in right-back, performing his tracking job well despite having his hands full with the opposition runners.

All in all, it was a great day of football from the Edge Grove U13 squad, showcasing their grit and team spirit.

Seniors Football v Aldwickbury

Edge Grove 3 – 2 Aldwickbury

Edge Grove Seniors travelled away to Aldwickbury School and played an intense match on a pristine pitch, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory. The squad started with excellent intensity, which only increased throughout the game, fuelled by a brilliant blend of individual brilliance and collective defensive grit.

The scoring was led by Leandro, who gave the team the lead with an excellent opening goal. He went on to complete a remarkable hat-trick, netting two well-taken shots and converting a penalty, even after the initial save. Leandro was also the commander in the centre of the pitch, exhibiting great presence, distributing the ball well, holding off defenders, and consistently finding a free teammate.

The final score was built upon a defensive masterclass, where several players delivered defining performances. Aiden was aggressive and superb in defence, keeping Edge Grove in the game on numerous occasions, utilising his blistering pace and incredible strength to out-muscle the opposition. Blake was equally strong and fast, making critical interceptions that snuffed out many attacking plays and quickly sent the ball back into the attack.

In the middle, Bolu was an absolute monster on the ball, playing physical, knocking opposition players flying, and distributing the ball well under pressure. This defensive tenacity was complemented by Grayson, who was immense, tracking opposition runs with ease and consistently eliminating threats. Joseph was fantastic throughout the match, seemingly always popping up in the right place to make crucial interceptions and maintain excellent distribution. Zachary was immense in both defence and attack, tracking runs, making great offensive surges, and distributing the ball effectively, leaving absolutely everything on the pitch.

In goal, Max was brilliant, delivering an intelligent performance. He showcased excellent intelligence in closing down opposing forwards, combined with quick reflexes and sharp ball distribution, keeping the Edge Grove flag flying high. Eashan provided strength and effective short passes during his time on the pitch, while Harry came off the bench to inject vital enthusiasm and energy, closing the space down effectively.

The 3-2 result was a testament to the team’s collective strength on the ball and superior speed, proving that a disciplined, cohesive defensive effort can win any contest.

Edge Grove Colts A Team Football vs Lochinver House

The Edge Grove Colts A team faced a challenging afternoon against a formidable Lochinver House side, which featured several highly skilled academy players. Edge Grove started the fixture brightly, focusing on getting stuck into every tackle. The newly formed central defensive pairing of Harry N and Harry S worked well together, providing a physical barrier and looking to initiate the team’s passing patterns from the back. In midfield, Tyler and Tommy played alongside one another, acting as essential links in play to connect the defence with the forward line. High up the pitch, Jack, Cooper, Edith, and Raphy put in an excellent shift, executing a tireless high press that kept the opposing defenders under constant pressure.

However, Lochinver’s quality soon shone through. Their clever ball movement and ability to stretch the pitch across difficult areas eventually pulled the Edge Grove defenders out of position. Despite Teddy’s best efforts and a number of strong saves in goal, Lochinver found the net three times to take a 3-0 lead into the half-time break.

The second half continued in the same vein. While Edge Grove demonstrated progress and tenacity to move the ball into attacking zones on occasion, the all-important final ball often lacked the precision needed to test the Lochinver goalkeeper. The away side’s strength in depth was highlighted by a flurry of second-half substitutions, and they capitalised on their continued possession, scoring two more goals to bring the final score to 5-0.

A tricky afternoon for the team but there will be success ahead with the continued application of the principles the team is building.

Edge Grove Colts B Team Football vs Lochinver House

Final Score: Edge Grove 4 – 8 Lochinver House

Edge Grove hosted Lochinver House in what proved to be an exciting and high energy encounter. Lochinver started strongly, using their pace in attack to score several early goals.

Despite the challenging start, Edge Grove showed great resilience and determination. Captain Rafael K organised the team with confidence and displayed a constant hunger to compete. In goal, Garv P made some excellent saves and showed real bravery, with just a little more work needed on coming out to meet the ball. Lochinver also conceded an own goal after scoring when Garv was down injured, a demonstration of good sportsmanship.

In attack, Ved M scored two well-taken goals, while Hunter C added another to the tally. The team’s fighting spirit came alive in the final 10 minutes, pressing hard, chasing every ball and working better together. This is the level of energy to bring from the start next time.

Defensively, Syon T impressed with his skills and positive attitude, while Monty T contributed with strong defensive awareness and key interventions. Louis A made excellent runs and showed great control under pressure. Aiwanehi I adapted well by changing positions when needed and kept the team balanced.

Key takeaways: Keep building on the finishing and intensity shown late in the game, and focus on chasing every ball with commitment and staying organised in position.

Edge Grove Colts C 2 – 5 Lochinver House

The Edge Grove Colts C Team showed tremendous spirit and commitment on the pitch against a strong Lochinver House side, despite ultimately falling to a 5-2 defeat. The score line does not reflect the determination and skill shown by our players throughout the match.

The engine room of the team—Wolf, Chimdi, Daniel, and Aarin—worked absolutely tirelessly in the midfield, constantly chasing down possession and driving the team forward. Our defensive line, featuring Tippi, Lucy, and Alex, was solid, putting in excellent shifts to disrupt the opposition’s attacks and showing great composure under pressure.

Oscar was truly key in goal, pulling off a string of crucial saves that kept us in the game during challenging spells. His quick reflexes and positive communication were outstanding.

In attack, Kwabena showed real intent, putting in several threatening runs and shots that tested the Lochinver goalkeeper. However, the highlight of the day belonged to Christopher, who put in a magnificent performance capped off with a great breakaway goal. His speed and finish were top-class, demonstrating real quality.

Though the result was not in our favour, the team’s effort, teamwork, and positive attitude were something to be proud of. We look forward to seeing this talented group continue to develop!

Edge Grove Colts D Team Football vs Lochinver House

Final Score: Edge Grove 1 – 6  Lochinver House

On a sunny afternoon, the Edge Grove’s Colts D team faced Lochinver House in what turned out to be an exciting and hard-fought match.

Edge Grove began a little unsettled, finding it difficult to contain Lochinver’s strong and relentless attacking play. Fortunately, Josh and Kevin stood firm in goal, making a series of excellent saves throughout the match to keep the team in contention.

After the opening ten minutes, Edge Grove began to find their rhythm and work more cohesively. Sami played a crucial role, consistently pressuring Lochinver and making key tackles to force turnovers. From there, some brilliant transitions developed through midfield, with Joshi, Hridhaan, and Hamza linking up well and creating promising opportunities going forward. Despite their efforts and excellent build-up play, they were unlucky not to convert these chances into goals. In defence, Luke was outstanding, showing great strength and composure to clear the ball whenever Lochinver threatened in dangerous areas.

The second half saw Edge Grove grow in confidence and push back against Lochinver’s pressure. Their perseverance was finally rewarded when Rayan produced a moment of brilliance, striking a superb shot from outside the box to score a fantastic goal.

Overall, it was a spirited performance from the Colts D, who showed resilience, teamwork, and determination against a tough opponent.

Edge Grove Colts E Team Football v Lochinver House

Edge Grove 0 – 10 Lochinver House

Today our Colts E team faced a strong Lochinver House side, with the final score ending 10–0. While the result may not reflect the effort shown on the pitch, this fixture was a positive learning experience for the boys, who pulled together and showed signs of developing their team cohesion.

Pranay started out in the field, working hard to create space and push into attacking positions. In the second half, he switched to goalkeeper and produced a number of fantastic saves, stopping several powerful strikes from finding the net.

Ben worked tirelessly up and down the pitch, linking well with teammates Nico and Chenlang to drive play forward. Aman played a pivotal role in defence, making key challenges and helping to organise the back line.

Although understandably disappointed with the scoreline, the team kept their heads high and never stopped working for one another. The determination, resilience and positive spirit on display were a credit to them all.

Well done, Colts E.

Edge Grove Colts F Team Football vs Lochinver House

Edge Grove 0 – 6 Lochinver House

Edge Grove travelled to Lochinver House to face a very strong Colts F side. Our boys rose to the challenge, showing great determination and teamwork throughout the match. Their hard work put Lochinver under consistent pressure, limiting their clear goal-scoring opportunities.

Lochinver did have a particularly strong centre forward who, when given the chance, showed his quality with a powerful shot and clinical finishing. Despite this, our defence responded well on several occasions, and the team never backed down.

Although we were unable to convert our own chances into goals, the boys should be proud of their performance. Their resilience, positive attitude, and refusal to give up were clear to see — a credit to the team.

Match Report – Under 8/9 B Team

Edge Grove 7 – 0 Lockers Park

What a fantastic game of football! The team showed great togetherness, pulling together with some superb cohesion throughout the match.

All players rotated through different positions, ensuring they developed their ability to use space effectively. This was demonstrated brilliantly by Cillian, who selflessly exploited open areas on the pitch and was rightly rewarded with a goal.

Max worked tirelessly up front, supported by Danyal and Isaac, who linked up well to create opportunities. Freddie was relentless down the left wing, driving play forward and proving very difficult to stop.

A real highlight was the team’s focus on building their play. At one stage, they set themselves the challenge of completing five successful passes before taking a shot. Not only did they achieve this, but it also showed their growing maturity, patience, and understanding of how to move the ball into space rather than rushing play. This created some excellent scoring chances and reflected just how far they’ve come in their game awareness.

A brilliant 7–1 win, but more importantly, a fantastic step forward in teamwork, discipline, and learning to play with purpose.

Edge Grove U9A v Lockers Park

Result: Edge Grove 3 – 0 Lockers Park 

Venue: Lockers Park (Away)

The Edge Grove U9A team made a major statement in their away fixture against Lockers Park U9A, securing a convincing 3-0 victory after a match played at an exceptionally high intensity. Despite the challenging conditions of the uneven and bumpy pitch, the boys demonstrated outstanding ball control and adaptability, maintaining their focus to earn a well-deserved clean sheet.

Tactical Masterstroke Pays Off

The first half saw a tight battle as both teams grappled with the difficult playing surface. Recognising the need for a change, Coach adjusted the tactics at half-time, encouraging the team to transition from short, intricate play to longer, more direct passes into the corners. This strategy was designed to utilise the blistering pace of the Edge Grove wingers—a decision that proved immediately effective.

The dynamic duo of Noah and James quickly reaped the rewards. Noah, a constant nuisance to the Lockers Park defence, showed great anticipation, frequently getting the decisive touch ahead of his marker to create shooting opportunities. He was rewarded with two well-taken goals, one of which came from a brilliant follow-up attempt.

The highlight of the match belonged to James, who scored arguably the best goal of the season so far. Collecting the ball near the halfway line, James showcased exquisite close control and an excellent first touch to shift the ball past a defender. He then drove forward, maintaining composure in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper before slotting the ball precisely into the far right corner. James worked tirelessly throughout the match in both attack and defence, his dribbling skills opening up the midfield whenever he cut inside or switched the play to the flanks.

Defensive Dominance

The clean sheet was a testament to a phenomenal team effort, particularly the heroics of the defensive unit and goalkeepers.

In the first half, Tobi was electric in defence, showing great speed and anticipation. When he took over goalkeeping duties in the second half, his performance was nothing short of tremendous. Tobi demonstrated stunning athleticism, making excellent clearances from the edge of his box and performing a series of dynamic, electric dives to prevent near-certain goals.

Veer was immense throughout the game, holding his position perfectly to thwart several opposition attacks. His composure allowed him to make excellent passes to link the defence and midfield, and his ability to read the game was imperative in Edge Grove keeping the opposition off the scoresheet.

The midfield engine room was driven by Danny, who was his typically busy self. Dynamic and powerful, Danny used his strength and guile to shield the ball under pressure and successfully unlock the Lockers Park defence. Crucially, he worked equally hard to track back and snuff out opposition attacks before they could get a shot off.

Matthew fully enjoyed his time with the A team, making some telling interceptions that disrupted the flow of the Lockers Park attack. Finally, Neevan contributed hugely in goal with some excellent saves and efficient distribution, before moving into the defensive line later in the match where he continued to work hard.

Edge Grove’s impressive 3-0 win demonstrated superior technical control, high intensity, and excellent teamwork, confirming the U9A team’s statement performance this season.

Edge Grove U8/9s White vs Lockers Park (Away)

The U8/9 White team travelled to Lockers Park and put on a fantastic display of football, coming away with a well-deserved 6–1 victory. From the start, Edge Grove settled quickly into the game, moving the ball with confidence and working hard for one another. The first half was particularly impressive, with Riyan in sensational form, scoring a superb hat-trick to give the team a commanding lead.In the second half, the boys continued to push forward with determination. Riyan struck again with a powerful long range effort, taking his tally to four for the match. Arjun and Keshav added a goal each to round off a strong attacking performance. Arjun also played a key creative role, providing four excellent assists.Defensively, Musa, Keshav and Zayyan were outstanding, showing great composure and teamwork to keep Lockers Park’s attacks at bay. A big thank you also to Arjun, Musa, Zayyan and Amirtaha for rotating in goal and ensuring the team stayed solid at the back.The final score finished 6–1 to Edge Grove, a result that reflects both the team’s hard work and their exciting football.Well done boys, a brilliant performance. Let’s keep this level of intensity going in training and in matches.

Edge Grove U8/9s Red vs Lockers Park (Away)

The U8/9 Red team produced an excellent performance at Lockers Park today securing a victory. In attack, Reyansh and Aiden were in outstanding form, each scoring two well taken goals. Their movement, skill and composure in front of goal made them a constant threat to the opposition defence.Kush was solid at the back, showing excellent defensive skills and reading the game superbly to break up attacks. In midfield, Aaran S worked tirelessly, supporting both defence and attack with great energy. Aran P was also impressive, moving the ball around well and linking play with composure.A special mention must go to Harrison, who showed brilliant goalkeeping skills throughout. He made important saves when called upon and kept a well deserved clean sheet.The final result reflected the team’s effort and determination, with every player contributing to a fantastic display of football.Well done boys, a superb performance. Keep up the hard work in training and matches

U8 & U9 Hockey vs Belmont

Mrs Emms team 1

Edge Grove 9-1 Belmont

What a fantastic afternoon of hockey our U9 players enjoyed on Thursday! After a quick warm-up, we jumped straight into the action, making an early impact with three goals against Belmont’s one.
Throughout the game, our team showed great energy and teamwork. Shreyas and Iylah were standout players in defence, making some excellent clearances that helped turn defence into attack. While there’s still room to sharpen our offensive play, we kept up the pressure and continued to find the back of the net.
In the end, all that effort paid off with a very respectable 9–1 victory. Well done to the whole team for their focus, teamwork, and determination!

Mrs Emms team 2

Edge Grove 6-1 Belmont

After a strong first half, our team led 5–1 and looked in full control of the game. However, we slightly lost our rhythm in the second half, allowing Belmont to apply more pressure.

A key turning point came when Leah moved into defence, where she made a real impact by clearing the ball out wide and keeping the opposition at bay. Up front, Coco was poised and ready, always looking to drive towards goal.

It was a great team effort overall, and despite the second-half challenge, we secured an excellent 6–1 win. Well done to everyone involved!

Mrs Warnes’ team
Edge Grove 4-3 Belmont

The team showed great teamwork in their match. A key moment came when Ilar-Rose made an excellent pass for Tireni to sweep into the goal. Leah and Savannah worked hard in defence, covering the pitch really well, and Montunrayo impressed with her focus throughout.

It was a close game, but the team’s determination earned them a well-deserved 4–3 victory. 

Edge Grove vs Belmont

Miss Evans team 4-2 Belmont

Miss Evans’ U8 hockey team had a fantastic outing in their very first away match this weekend, showing just how much they’ve developed as a squad. With a strong focus on positioning and teamwork, the team’s confidence on the pitch has clearly grown – and it paid off with a brilliant display of goals and solid defence!

The improvement in how the players held their positions meant they could move the ball more effectively and create space, leading to a much more attacking game. Isabella stood out for her excellent awareness, holding her space beautifully and taking full advantage to score two superb goals.

Lara was a constant threat on the wing, using her pace and control to push forward and create chances. One of the standout moments of the match came from an exceptional hit out from Darcy, who found Lara with a precise pass. Lara then drove into the D and set up Orla, who calmly slotted the ball into the goal, not once, but twice!

In defence, Gabriella was an absolute wall. Relentless in her efforts, she listened carefully to instructions, passed cleverly into space, and didn’t let a single attacker past her. Her commitment and skill earned her the well-deserved title of Player of the Match.

Well done to the whole team – a brilliant away performance and a sign of even more exciting matches to come!

Edge Grove vs Belmont 

Miss Lundrigan’s 8-1 

What an excellent first match away for our hockey team! The players demonstrated remarkable teamwork and communication throughout the game, seamlessly creating space on the pitch. Their commitment to excellent defending was commendable, stymieing the opposition’s efforts and displaying real grit. I was genuinely impressed with their attitude, showing determination and resilience at every turn. Every player gave their all, contributing to a fantastic result that bodes well for the rest of the season. This performance not only highlights their skill but also sets a solid foundation for our upcoming matches. Well done, team!

Edge Grove vs Belmont 

Miss Lundrigan’s 8-0 

What an incredible start for our hockey team this season! They worked exceptionally well together, focusing on communication, creating space, and displaying excellent defending. It was truly impressive to witness their dedication and positive attitude throughout the game. Staying in position was key to our success, and the result was fantastic! This brilliant performance sets an amazing tone for the season ahead. A huge well done to everyone involved—let’s keep this momentum going!

Future Schools Update – Week 5
Mrs Jane Broadis, Head of Future Schools Curriculum

Future Schools Meeting – Year 5 Parents

We are looking forward to meeting with Year 5 parents on Monday 13th October from 6-7pm in the Apthorp, where we will share information designed to help parents navigate the process of selecting the right Senior School for their child. 

Edge Grove Future Schools Handbook

Our updated edition for 2025-26 has been published and can be found here. This publication gives key information and guidance to support parents through the future school process.

ISEB Common Pre-Test at Edge Grove

Monday 6th October – for Berkhamsted School

Thursday November 20th – for all other schools

Aldenham Assessment at Edge Grove

Monday 24 – Tuesday 25th November

ATOM Learning has published some useful resources for parents:

• Everything you need to know about Quest Admissions

• Everything you need to know about the ISEB Pre-Test

• Everything you need to know about Standardised Age Scores

• How to access and analyse mock test results on Atom School

• Atom’s guide to preparing students for adaptive exams

Scholarship Information Evening – Aldenham School

6 November at 6.00pm: Aldenham School invites parents to their upcoming Scholarship Information Evening, where they will be sharing details about the range of scholarships available at Aldenham School. More details can be found here.

Royal Masonic School – Open Day and Key Dates

Key dates for Year 7 Entry 2026 here

Open Day Invitation – 17th October here

For those parents just beginning the search for your child’s senior school,

this interactive map produced by the Independent Schools Council is a helpful tool. 

Below is a list of those senior schools which Edge Grove families have chosen in the last four years, with links to Admissions pages. You can find upcoming Open Day information on each school’s website: 

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

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

Wycombe Abbey

13+ Boarding Schools & Colleges

Bede’s

Charterhouse

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Eton

Harrow

Marlborough

Wellington College

State Schools

Dame Alice Owen’s School

JFS

Henrietta Barnett School

Herts SW Consortium Schools

(Registration for Secondary Transfer for September 2026 is now closed. No late registrations will be accepted.)

The Consortium is a group of seven partially selective schools in Southwest Hertfordshire, consisting of:

• Croxley Danes School (music only)
• Parmiter’s School
• Queens’ School
• Rickmansworth School
• St Clement Danes School
• Watford Grammar School for Boys
• Watford Grammar School for Girls
• Queen Elizabeth’s School
• St Albans Girls’ School

The UN’s International Day of Older People is being marked this week and as parents and carers, we all hope our children grow up with a deep respect for older generations.

Few relationships are as enriching and enduring as the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. These connections can be profoundly life-giving – for both young people and the older members of our families and communities.

With this in mind, why not explore Tooled Up’s resources designed to help nurture intergenerational relationships?

If your children are lucky enough to have grandparents in their lives, how might you help them deepen that relationship? 50 Things to Ask Your Grandparents on a Video Call was developed in the pandemic when digital communication was a vital link between families. It remains popular today, inviting children to quiz their grandparents in a fun, thoughtful way, encouraging storytelling, shared laughter and the passing down of cherished memories.

Talking to older members of your family network gives children the valuable opportunity to explore identity and core values. Use our Conversation Starters about Family ‘Fundamental Values’ to spark meaningful conversations about what matters most.

Have you heard the term ‘kinship carers’ before? It describes grandparents (and other relatives), who step in to care for children when parents are unable. In this interview about The Importance of Grandparents, Professor Anna Tarrant explores the vital role these grandparents play and the many benefits that extended families can have on children’s development.