West Buckland Prep School

🌄 Prep 6 Adventure Day: Day 2

Prep 6 had an incredible day exploring Gough’s Cave in Cheddar Gorge, thanks to their guide, Mark! 👏

The adventure continued with a climb up the 274 steps of Jacob’s Ladder, followed by another 48 steps to the lookout, where they were rewarded with some truly stunning views. 🏞️

They then enjoyed a 2km walk around Cheddar Reservoir before cooling off with a fun swim session, making the most of the slide and a game of catch in the water!

Year 5 had a fantastic time at their Fantastic Foods workshop! 🌱

They sampled pea shoots and peas, then got creative by making beautiful vegetable flowers to show the different parts of plants we can eat.

The class also explored the vegetable garden, discovering a wide range of varieties, before enjoying a walk through the rose garden and a chance to play in the playground.

📖 Inspiring A Love of Reading! 📖

Well done to our Reading Ambassadors who delivered a 'Reading for Pleasure' assembly to the Prep as part of their ongoing work to promote reading at West Buckland School.

🌊 Prep 6 Residential 🍦

A classic British seaside trip for our Prep 6s, with a visit to Weston-Super-Mare's Grand Pier!
From the sea breeze to plenty of sugary treats, it’s safe to say the trip is off to a great start 😄

🌿 Prep 3 Explore RHS Rosemoor! 🌿

Our Prep 3 pupils had a fantastic day on their recent science trip to ! They delved into the fascinating world of plants, learning about plant structure, the role of different parts, and how seeds germinate.

The children also explored the beautiful gardens, spotting real-life examples of seed dispersal in action. It was a day full of curiosity, discovery, and hands-on learning! 🌱

✨ Exciting New Play Initiative! ✨

We’re excited to introduce Large Loose Parts Play to enhance your child’s playtime experience: Large Loose Parts Play.

Loose Parts Play gives children access to open-ended materials like crates, tyres, planks, tubes and more: items they can move, combine and transform in endless imaginative ways. These aren’t traditional toys, but tools for creativity, exploration and teamwork.

It helps children:
🌟 Develop problem-solving and critical thinking
💪 Build strength and coordination through active play
🧠 Boost creativity and imagination
🤝 Learn teamwork and communication
🌱 Grow confidence and resilience

All materials will be carefully selected and risk-assessed, with staff on hand to supervise and support while still allowing children the freedom to explore.

We’d love donations of clean, safe, sturdy items such as:
• Crates, cable drums, tyres
• Pipes, tubes, guttering
• Tarpaulin, astro turf offcuts
• Wooden planks (sanded)
• Large pots, pans, utensils
• Foam pipe covers, bike wheels, dumpy bags

Every contribution helps create new opportunities for play and discovery!
We’re so excited to see the children’s creativity come to life 💫

🔧 Prep School Engineering 🔧

This year, our Prep pupils took part in a national engineering competition for the very first time. And what an incredible success it has been!

Our pupils were challenged to design their own inventions and write to a professional engineer explaining their ideas. To inspire them, we welcomed Sam from Kawasaki, who brought engineering to life through his work.

We are thrilled to share that 18 pupils were awarded a Distinction, with a further 7 entries shortlisted: an outstanding result!

⚽ Celebrating Success on the Pitch! 🏆

Congratulations to Oliver whose team, Crediton Pumas U9s, have been crowned Exeter & District Cup winners this season!

With over 60 teams competing, this is a fantastic achievement. The final was closely contested, ending in a 2–2 draw before extra time, with the trophy being shared with Broadclyst U9s.

Well done, Oliver! 👏

🐝 National Bee Day! 🌼

Reception and Nursery had a bee-autiful day celebrating National Bee Day! The children decorated their own cakes before heading up to the school greenhouse to spot some busy bees in action. 🌱

Thank you to Holroyd Howe for all their hard work!

Final rehearsals are underway for the Prep 5 & 6 show: 'Dream On'! 🎭

Come and join us:
📅 Tuesday & Thursday - 5:30pm
📅 Wednesday morning - 9:30am

Wishing all our wonderful cast the best of luck… break a leg! 👏