The Oratory Prep School

Year 5 pupils had a fantastic time at the Stowe Prep School Art Festival this week, where this year’s theme was Landscape.

They explored impressive art department and took part in a series of inspiring workshops, including mono printing inspired by artist Dawn Stacey, creating abstract organic sculptures based on lichen micro-landscapes, and collaborating on a large-scale collage puzzle to reveal a Stowe landscape.

The experience sparked plenty of creativity, and our pupils returned full of ideas and enthusiasm for their own artistic journeys. Thank you for inviting us to attend.

We were delighted to welcome author Clare Pollard to school today to talk about her new book, The Othernauts.

Clare shared how her love of Greek mythology inspired her writing, explaining that the epic quests, daring heroes and seemingly impossible obstacles of the ancient myths captured her imagination. Our pupils certainly rose to the occasion, asking thoughtful questions and even creating their own imaginative quest stories complete with challenges and adventures along the way!

We explored Greek gods, heroes and myths together, and the enthusiasm from Years 2, 3, 4 and 5 was fantastic.

Twenty-one pupils had books signed during the visit, and we wish Clare every success with The Othernauts which was published this week.

Thank you to Mrs Phillips for organising such a wonderful experience for the children and to Clare and to Helen at the Wallingford Bookshop.

The second half of term starts on Monday… and if last year is anything to go by, we’re in for quite a ride.

Triathlons. Sports Day. Speech Day. Year 7 at Skern Lodge. Year 8 in the Ardèche. Year 5 on the Isle of Wight. LAMDA Showcase. Summer Concert. Pilgrimage. Celebrations. Sunshine. Slip n Slide. Bubbles…. The list goes on!

The final stretch of the school year always seems to fly by and somehow packs in some of the biggest moments too.

Here’s to another unforgettable half term. Let’s go.

🌈 Dance Showcase ☀️

There’s no better way to send you skipping jnto half term than to see our Pre-Prep and Little Oaks pupils performing their Dance Showcase!

And what a performance they gave! We are so grateful to Miss Katie and Miss Gemma for teaching and guiding the children through their routines - they really were superb today.

We are so fortunate that the children have Dance as part of their weekly timetable as it teaches them so many skills while also being great fun!

Last night we were treated to a wonderful evening of "Music for a Springtime Evening" including solo performances from our Year 8 pupils who were taking to the theatre stage for the final time in their OPS career.

It was a fantastically varied programme, some items made us shed a tear and others made us boogie!

Thank you to Mrs Reed, Mrs Anderson and the peripatetic staff who have supported and encouraged them throughout their time here.

🇫🇷 French Assembly 🇫🇷

It was a joy to welcome families to watch Pre-Reception to Year 2 on stage this afternoon. We were treated to songs, role plays, poems and even a game of lotto complete with prizes for the parents! What more could you ask for?

Merci beaucoup to Madame Maher for organising such a fun afternoon. Special mention to “Monsieur” Wallace too!

A huge round of applause for the OPS pupils who took part in the at at the weekend.

Barney, Charlie, Autumn and Tilly came 4th overall in their age group out of 103 teams.

Alice, Zara, Poppy and Olivia came 9th out of 101 teams and were the fastest swimmers overall.

All in aid of the wonderful

In our first of two LAMDA exam sessions this term, 18 pupils took their exams today. The biggest joy is seeing the widest smiles when children leave theatre, brimming with confidence and knowing that they have done themselves proud!

The LAMDA examiner was exceptionally complimentary, commenting on how polite and engaging the children were and how prepared they were for their performances, she thoroughly enjoyed her time with us!