SPRING 2026 Assembly
IN THIS ISSUE
FROM THE HEADMASTER
PRE-PREP REPORT
DRAGONS DEN
SPRING PROMS SERIES
TRIP TO EURO SPACE CENTER
AH ART GALLERY
BOOK WEEK
YEAR 8 COMEDY NIGHT
WELLBEING WEEK
TRIP TO BELFAST
SPORTS ROUND-UP
FROM THE HEADMASTER
In the pages that follow, you will see just some of the ways Arnold House boys have explored, challenged, and celebrated their talents throughout the Spring Term. From wellbeing and reading to music, art, science, and sport, it has been a busy few months full of curiosity, creativity, and community.
Wellbeing has been at the heart of school life, and this term we celebrated it through a range of activities that reminded every boy that he is known, supported, and valued. From individual handprints transforming into a whole-school artwork, to mindfulness sessions, outdoor challenges, and peer-support initiatives for older pupils, the message was simple: “This is my place.”
Book Week built on that sense of belonging with the theme “This is my place to read”. Boys and staff shared reading recommendations, classroom doors became mini art installations, and the charity book drive donated over 550 books to the Children’s Book Project. A visit from author Tom Palmer brought stories vividly to life, showing that reading can transport, inspire, and connect us all.
The Spring Proms Series has been another highlight, a term-long celebration of music from Pre-Reception through to Year 8. From first notes on a new instrument to confident Year 8 soloists, every boy had a part to play. The season culminated in a wonderful finale at Cadogan Hall, where the energy, joy, and commitment of every performer shone through.
Science, art, and entrepreneurship have also been thriving. Year 7 rockets soared at the Euro Space Centre, Year 6 and 7 explored colour fields and still life, and Year 8 boys excelled on stage both in their comedy skits and Dragons’ Den pitches, showing imagination, maturity and collaboration.
Sporting life has been equally energetic. Every boy from Year 3 upwards represented the school in rugby, hockey, cross-country, swimming, and multi-sports, bringing enthusiasm, skill, and sportsmanship to every fixture. Successes on the pitch, in the pool, and across the track reflected not just talent, but effort, teamwork, and resilience.
In every assembly, lesson, activity, trip or performance, the boys are not only enjoying remarkable experiences but also developing the focus, confidence, and self-discipline that underpin their academic progress. At Arnold House, the breadth of these activities is not separate from learning, it is a vital part of the prep school experience, nurturing the skills, character, and curiosity that allow every boy to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Giles Tollit Headmaster
The Spring Term in Pre-Prep has been filled with energy, growth, and countless moments that have reminded us just how special our community is. At the heart of our work this term has been a renewed focus on our three key values: Ready, Respectful, and Responsible. It has been wonderful to see the boys embracing these principles so wholeheartedly in their daily routines. One of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the boys’ impeccable handshaking skills each morning. Greeting their teachers with courtesy, confidence, and warmth, they continue to show themselves to be well-mannered young gentlemen who take pride in starting each day in the right way.
A highlight of the term has undoubtedly been the Class Breakfasts. Watching the boys and their parents gather to enjoy a shared meal was uplifting and a great way to start the day. These occasions offered valuable moments for families to connect before the bustle of the school day, and the strong sense of community was evident in every smile, conversation, and second helping of pancakes!
This term also saw us enjoy a vibrant Wellbeing Week, where both staff and boys took part in a range of mindfulness activities. From calm breathing sessions to creative expression, it provided a much-needed opportunity to pause and refocus.
Our Lunar New Year workshop brought colour, excitement, and cultural learning into the Pre-Prep. The boys approached this with enthusiasm, thoroughly enjoying the chance to explore a different tradition from around the world.
Book Week was another standout moment. The inventiveness of the boys’ costumes was nothing short of extraordinary, both clever and creative. Their shared love of reading shone through every activity, including workshops with visiting authors, Tom Palmer Simon Mole and James Mayhew.
The Pre-Prep Proms, held at the Chapel of St John’s and Elizabeth Hospital, were truly joyful. The boys’ singing,
acting, storytelling, and instrumental performances, including guitars, violins, and cellos were delivered with enthusiasm and confidence. Under the expert guidance of Mrs Tomsett-Rowe, our Director of Music, the boys produced performances that filled the chapel with pride and applause. It was a beautiful celebration of the changing seasons and the remarkable talents developing within our youngest pupils.
We hosted our first Open Morning of the year, where prospective families were shown around our impressive school. Beginning in Pre-Prep before continuing through to the Prep School, it was a successful and enjoyable opportunity to showcase the warmth, ambition, and excellence of our community.
As we look forward to the Summer Term, our focus will turn to transition. Supporting the boys as they prepare for their next steps is always a priority, and we will be sharing detailed plans with parents early in the term to ensure a smooth and seamless progression for every child.
This term has been full of achievements, joy, and growth. I am incredibly proud of all our Pre-Prep boys and grateful for the continued partnership of our families. I look forward to an exciting term ahead.
Ms McKenzie Head of Pre-Prep
Pre-Reception
This term Pre-Reception has been filled with joyful learning, special celebrations, and a wealth of exciting experiences. We began by sharing holiday news and setting thoughtful New Year’s resolutions, setting the tone for a term full of curiosity and enthusiasm.
Literacy, Mathematics and creativity have been at the heart of our classroom life.
In Literacy, the boys began their Read Write Inc. phonics journey and were introduced to Fred the Frog, eagerly exploring new letter sounds each week. A particular highlight was their phonics-inspired show and tell, where they proudly shared objects linked to the sounds they had been learning.
World Book Day brought great excitement. The boys arrived dressed as their favourite book characters and enjoyed sharing much-loved stories with their friends. Building on this, we investigated how books are made, and the boys delighted in writing and illustrating their very own books. Their creativity continued through Helicopter Stories, where they crafted imaginative tales and acted them out with growing confidence and expressive language.
Our topic work introduced the boys to the captivating world of Greek gods, including Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo and Hermes. This learning supported their preparations for a wonderful Proms performance at the St John and Elizabeth Chapel, where they proudly showcased their singing.
In Mathematics, the boys have been practising careful number formation, developing early writing skills and strengthening their counting through number rhymes and engaging hands-on activities.
Music and storytelling have enriched our Enquiry lessons. The boys had the opportunity to explore a wide range of musical instruments, including the piano, harp, cello, flute, guitar and djembe drums, deepening their appreciation for sound and rhythm.
Cultural workshops, generously led by parents, were another highlight of the term. The boys learned about Armenia, Germany and Australia, and celebrated Lunar New Year through a vibrant, interactive session. They also explored the traditions of Shrove Tuesday and gained insight into Eid and the holy month of Ramadan through special classroom visits. These experiences gave the boys a wonderful opportunity to learn about global cultures and customs in a meaningful, age-appropriate way. Trips and special events added further excitement. At the Postal Museum, the boys enjoyed the immersive Jolly Postman exhibition and a memorable journey on the historic Mail Rail. They also loved exploring the Young V&A museum, sparking new interests and ideas. During Children’s Mental Health Week, the boys participated in mindfulness activities and created a collaborative art piece celebrating what makes each of them unique.
It has been a truly busy, joyful, and enriching term. We are incredibly proud of the boys for their enthusiasm, kindness, and wholehearted participation in all aspects of school life.
Ms. Geffriaud & Mrs. Taylor Pre-Reception
Reception
This term has been a busy and exciting one for our Reception boys, filled with rich learning experiences and memorable opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
In Literacy, the boys have thoroughly enjoyed exploring rhyme and rhyming words through a range of Julia Donaldson stories. They have become increasingly confident in identifying patterns in language and even creating their own rhymes. Building on this, the boys have also been introduced to a variety of text types, including lists, letters, recipes, posters, and cards. It has been wonderful to see their creativity and understanding develop across these different forms of writing.
In Maths, the boys have made great progress in developing their number skills. They have been strengthening their understanding of addition and subtraction, while also beginning to explore the concepts of halving and doubling. Their growing confidence and enthusiasm for problem-solving has been fantastic to see.
We were delighted to take the boys on trips to London Zoo and the Science Museum. Having such inspiring places on our doorstep is a real privilege, and the boys made the most of these experiences by engaging thoughtfully and behaving impeccably throughout. These visits greatly enriched their understanding of the world around them.
We have also been fortunate to welcome parents into school to share their knowledge and experiences. Topics included sustainable energy, Ramadan, oral hygiene, and bread making, all of which sparked curiosity and meaningful discussions. It was also a pleasure to host parents for our class breakfasts, which provided a lovely opportunity to come together as a community.
Beyond the classroom, the boys have taken part in a wide range of enriching activities. Highlights included Well-being Week, a vibrant Lunar New Year dragon dance workshop, and a special visit from an author. The boys proudly showcased their musical talents during the Proms, embraced the joy of reading by dressing up for World Book Day, and enjoyed an edible garden workshop led by our caterers.
Overall, it has been a term full of growth, discovery, and enthusiasm for learning. We are incredibly proud of all the boys have achieved and look forward to another exciting term ahead.
Miss Rafferty & Mr Ragias Reception
Year 1
What a fantastic term we have had in Year 1! Our exciting topic, ‘Castles, Towers and Knights’, captured the boys’ imaginations as they loved exploring life in medieval times.
In English, our focus text was Rapunzel by Bethan Woollvin, a modern twist on the traditional tale. The boys thoroughly enjoyed describing characters, writing diary entries, making predictions and even creating a WANTED poster for the wicked witch! They also had great fun writing magical spells and inventing their own brand-new adventures for Rapunzel.
In Maths, we became number experts! The boys worked hard on tens and ones, grouping and partitioning
numbers, finding one more and one less, exploring numbers from 20–50, counting in tens, and comparing length and height.
In Understanding the World, we travelled back in time to discover castles from around the world. The boys learned why castles were built, how they were attacked and defended, and about the important roles people had within them. We also turned into young botanists, learning about how plants grow, identifying the different parts of a plant, exploring where plants come from, and discovering which parts we can eat.
In Enquiry lessons, we followed the boys’ curiosity within our Castles, Towers and Knights theme. They were particularly fascinated by the features of castles, which led them to design and create their own detailed castle structures using junk modelling. This interest was further enriched following our trip to the Tower of London, where they were inspired to recreate what they had seen through their clay tower designs. Their learning deepened as they explored their interest in battles, asking thoughtful questions about how castles were attacked and defended and investigating different types of battles. Alongside this, their enthusiasm for superheroes sparked last term, continued to grow, leading them to create their own imaginative superhero-themed books, filled with exciting characters, powers and adventures.
Art lessons were full of creativity, with the boys designing impressive castle façades, building clay towers, and producing a range of fantastic castle-themed artwork.
One of the highlights of the term was our trip to the Tower of London, where the boys were thrilled to visit a real historic castle and identify many of the features they had been learning about in class.
We also thoroughly enjoyed our Wonderful Wednesday workshops with parents. The boys loved working collaboratively to cut and stick castles, design imaginative plants, and build construction resources, alongside many other creative activities. We were also fortunate to have a special parent session about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, which the boys found very engaging and informative. In addition, we enjoyed a further parent-led session about the Global Fund Foundation and law, where the boys were introduced to important ideas about helping others, fairness and how rules support communities. They listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions, and showed great interest in learning about the wider world.
It has been a brilliant term in Year 1, full of creativity, curiosity, and teamwork. We look forward to all the exciting adventures the Summer Term will bring!
Miss Hennessy & Ms. Legan Year 1
Forest School
This term at Forest School, the boys have continued to learn through child-led exploration, curiosity, and meaningful engagement with the natural environment. Regular outdoor sessions have encouraged them to investigate, take appropriate risks, and develop confidence, resilience, and independence. The open woodland setting has provided a rich space for hands-on learning, collaborative play, and discovery.
Activities across the term have supported learning within the EYFS and the KS1 National Curriculum. The boys have developed physical skills through digging, building, balancing, and navigating, while also strengthening communication, creativity, and problem-solving. Many sessions fostered early scientific thinking, giving the boys opportunities to observe, test ideas, and reflect on their findings.
For Pre-Reception and Reception, the focus was on sensory exploration and building an understanding of the natural world. The boys created bird feeders from fruit and cereals, learning about local birds and how to support wildlife. They explored natural materials through art and imaginative play, including building mud nests and creating nature-based artwork, helping them begin to understand habitats and how animals use natural resources to build their homes.
The boys were also introduced to clay, exploring its texture and observing how it changes when water is added—an engaging way to develop sensory skills and early scientific enquiry. Making seed bombs further supported their learning about wildflowers and the importance of pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Time spent outdoors also encouraged discussions about wellbeing and the calming benefits of nature.
In Year 1, the boys developed more practical skills through hands-on challenges. They revisited seed bomb making to deepen their understanding of local wildlife and ecosystems. Working collaboratively, they built small stick rafts, practising simple knots and investigating whether their designs would sink or float. These activities supported teamwork, problem-solving, and scientific thinking as they explored materials and evaluated their creations.
Mrs. Wootten Forest School
Modern Foreign Languages
French – Y1
This term, Year 1 have been learning French through a joyful mix of songs, stories and interactive activities.
They explored new vocabulary related to body parts, family members, animals and numbers from 1 to 20, and especially enjoyed singing favourites such as La Famille Tortue and Les Petits Poissons dans l’Eau.
The boys also listened to a variety of stories in French, supported by puppets, picture books and short videos to help build their understanding. They are growing increasingly confident when joining in with French songs and are becoming more independent when completing simple tasks in their booklets.
Madame Aury-Lemieux
Mandarin – PR, R and Y1
Across the Spring Term, the boys have been developing their early Mandarin skills through a range of fun, interactive and hands-on activities. They have been learning to recognise, say, and use numbers 1–10, as well as exploring both primary and secondary colours. The boys have particularly enjoyed spotting these colours in different classroom tasks and games. Alongside this, they have been practising simple greetings and everyday phrases, beginning to build confidence in communicating in basic Mandarin.
Pre-Reception boys were introduced to the names of common fruits in Mandarin and practised these new words through games, singing and repetition. In Reception and Year 1, the boys have begun making deeper connections in their learning—combining their knowledge of fruit vocabulary with colours and confidently matching the two while speaking in Mandarin. This shows real progress in their ability to link and apply language across topics.
We also spent time learning about Chinese culture, with a special focus on the celebrations surrounding Chinese New Year. The boys explored the traditions, decorations, and customs associated with this important festival and learnt how people welcome good fortune for the year ahead. They were very proud to learn how to say, “Happy New Year” (Xīnnián kuàilè) and a traditional good luck greeting (G ngx f cái), used to wish others prosperity.
Active learning has been at the heart of our lessons this term. The boys have taken part in energetic games to reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation and have enjoyed learning new Mandarin songs that support rhythm, memory, and spoken fluency.
Overall, it has been a lively, joyful, and highly productive term of Mandarin learning. The boys have shown great enthusiasm and growing confidence as they continue their language journey.
Miss Lam
PE
Throughout this extremely wet and windy Spring Term, our PE lessons have centered on developing the boys’ fundamental movement skills through a variety of sports and engaging games. We have focused particularly on rugby, continued to build on football skills, and begun to introduce some cricket fundamentals through throwing and catching activities.
In rugby, the boys have learnt the basic rules of the game, how to handle the ball safely, and the correct technique for passing. They have also enjoyed a range of evasion games, helping them experience running confidently with the ball held securely in two hands. These activities have encouraged teamwork, communication, and social interaction, key elements of our PE curriculum.
Across all sports, we have continued to improve essential movement skills such as jumping, balancing, hopping and skipping. These core abilities provide the foundation for more advanced sporting skills as the boys grow older. Physical fitness, co-ordination, and motor development remain at the heart of all we do, alongside nurturing teamwork and sportsmanship.
All the boys have been an absolute pleasure to teach this year, and each one is making excellent progress. I look forward to introducing them to cricket and tennis next term, hopefully with some sunshine!
Mr. Lutyens
PE
Music
From our youngest boys in Pre-Reception to our assured and commanding Year 8’s, every single boy has performed in the Arnold House Proms this term. PreReception, Reception, and Year 1 all performed their own year group show at The Chapel of St John and Elizabeth, with each year performing songs based on the Greek Gods and Ancient Greek traditions, dances, songs with percussion, as well as first performances from our new instrumentalists in Reception and Year 1.
Mrs. Tomsett-Rowe Director of Music
Drama
Drama has made a grand entrance onto the Pre-Prep stage this term!
Across Pre-Prep, Drama lessons are carefully structured to support long-term skill development through small, progressive steps. Each session opens with focus-based activities to settle attention, followed by voice and movement work in which the boys explore rhymes and songs with specific rhythms, beats and actions. These exercises develop physical coordination, muscle memory and the vital psycho-physical connection.
Lessons then move into games and themed activities designed to build confidence in public speaking, encouraging the boys to use body language and facial expression to communicate ideas and bring stories to life.
In Pre-Reception, the boys have been exploring the theme of emotion. They have practised expressing a range of feelings through movement and facial expression, while also learning to recognise emotions in others.
In Reception, the focus has shifted to applying these foundational skills, with boys using different emotions to act out scenarios independently and in pairs.
In Year 1, the first half of term centred on filmmaking, fostering creativity, imagination and collaboration. More recently, the boys have turned their attention to character development and performance in preparation for the Year 1 play. They have been developing confidence, expression and stage presence. Lines for the play will be sent home before the holiday in preparation of rehearsals next term.
Mr. Hale
Assistant Drama Teacher
YEAR 8 ENTREPRENEURS ENTER
The 2026 Year 8 Dragons’ Den reached a new level of excellence, defined by a cohort of boys who were not only exceptionally wellprepared but also remarkably agile in their thinking. This was an outstanding event, and the quality of the presentations was the best we have ever seen.
The evening began with a powerful talk from Charlie Batty (AH Old Boy 2008-16). As the founder of the national platform Student A2Z, Charlie shared his journey of turning a pupil-focused idea into a successful business that now partners with major brands like England Rugby. His story of building a national product with over 30,000 reviews despite his severe dyslexia was truly inspirational and a testament to the resilience we hope to instill in all our boys.
Following Charlie, the boys were incredibly fortunate to hear from Touker Suleyman. He spoke candidly about his 40 years of experience in retail and manufacturing, as well as his time as a staple of the Dragons’ Den panel. Before the pitching began, Touker offered the boys invaluable advice and answered their questions, providing them with a rare strategic masterclass from a world-class investor.
While the prepared pitches were flawless, it was the Q&A portion of the evening that truly set this group apart. Facing a real-life Dragon in Touker Suleyman, the boys were met with rigorous, high-stakes questioning. Their ability to think on their feet and provide sophisticated, credible answers to such a seasoned expert was nothing short of outstanding.
The introduction of a strict 5-minute time limit added a fresh layer of intensity to the evening. This adjustment to the usual format made the experience even more pressurised for some groups, but it proved to be an excellent change. The boys handled the constraint with poise, proving they can deliver high-quality, punchy content within the demanding boundaries of a professional pitch.
The sheer quality of ideas—ranging from customisable desk stands to the LineHopper app. (endorsed by David Haye)—made the judging process incredibly difficult. It must have been an unenviable task to choose just three winners from such an impressive field. Congratulations go to the winning teams:
Trustprice
PitchPerfect
Cookin’ Fresh
Our sincere thanks go to Touker Suleyman and Charlie Batty for their invaluable insights and for challenging our boys to reach their full potential. We also thank Headmaster Giles Tollit for his contribution to the judging panel. Finally, a huge thank you to Stephanie JonesMiller who organised the event brilliantly; it was an unforgettable and outstanding evening.
Jon Harahap
Head of Years 7&8 and IT
PRESENTING THE CELEBRATINGMUSIC
SERIESCREATINGMEMORIES.
SPRING PROMS SERIES
From our youngest boys in Pre-Reception to our assured and commanding Year 8s, every single boy has performed in the Arnold House Proms Series this term.
The first concert kicking off the season was held at The Church of the Annunciation in Marble Arch, featuring our Chapel Choir, soloists from Year 8 and our teachers, with special guest appearances from Mr Tollit, Mr Cox, and Mr Matthews on the triangles!
Each house was represented in a display of talent from Year 2-8 in our House Showcases with soloists performing a variety of music on a plethora of instruments. We saw first ever performances by boys who had just started on their musical instrument journey, to those from Year 8 boys who had just received the wonderful news about gaining music exhibitions.
Our Alumni and Parents concert was a fabulous evening, welcoming back old boys aged 8-78, as well as showcasing the talents of our current parents and previous teachers. A joyous occasion to catch up with old and new faces.
Pre-reception, Reception, and Year 1 all performed their own year group show at The Chapel of St John and Elizabeth, with each year
performing songs based on the Greek Gods and Ancient Greek traditions, dances, songs with percussion, as well as first performances from our new instrumentalists in Reception and Year 1.
The finale was a spectacular evening at Cadogan Hall with each performer from Year 2-8 telling the story of Apollo searching for his Lyre, written by Mrs Tomsett-Rowe. We travelled from thunder and lightning to the depths of the underworld, via the sea, the forge, and of course the bar with Dionysus. The energy, commitment and joy on stage were unmistakable.
The whole of the Proms seasons has been part of something bigger for our school community. As many of you know, we are raising funds for the Arnold House Media Hub; an exciting project that will transform the way our boys engage with digital creativity, broadcasting, film, and music technology. If the Proms Season has shown us anything, it is that creativity thrives when it is given the right space and support. We hope you will feel inspired to help us build a hub that matches the ambition, imagination and talent you have seen on this stage.
Mrs Tomsett-Rowe Director of Music
STAFF & PUPILS SHOWCASE
ALUMNI & PARENT CONCERT
HOUSE SHOWCASES
PRE-PREP CONCERTS
PREP CADOGAN
HALL FINALE
YEAR 7 REACH FOR THE STARS AT THE EURO SPACE CENTRE, BELGIUM!
There are few classrooms quite like space itself, and for our Year 7 boys, this term’s trip to the Euro Space Centre in Belgium brought Science vividly to life in ways no textbook ever could.
From the moment they arrived, there was a tangible sense of excitement. The boys were immediately immersed in a world of discovery, working alongside expert astrophysicists and engaging with advanced scientific concepts in a truly hands-on environment. What stood out most was not just the complexity of the learning, but the way the boys rose to it; curious, focused, and eager to understand more.
This spirit of exploration was perfectly captured in their rocket engineering project. Designing and building their own rockets from scratch (complete with mini explosive engines, nose cones, and parachutes) the boys approached the challenge with impressive precision and teamwork. When launch day arrived, the anticipation was electric. One by one, rockets shot over 100 metres into the sky at speeds of up to 120 km/h, met with cheers, amazement, and a real sense of achievement!
Inside the centre, Science became something they could see, feel, and question. Using a bell jar to create a vacuum, the boys watched marshmallows swell and balloons expand, before witnessing the extraordinary phenomenon of water simultaneously boiling and freezing under reduced pressure. These moments not only captivated the boys but also demonstrated sophisticated scientific principles in action.
The physical experiences were equally unforgettable. In the rotor, the boys experienced forces of up to 3G, feeling the floor drop away beneath them as they were held against the wall by rapid rotation, just as astronauts are during training. The multi-axis chair tested their resilience further, while virtual reality experiences transported them to Mars and the Moon, offering a glimpse into the challenges of moving in low gravity, and what it really feels like to walk on the Moon!
Perhaps the most impressive demonstration of their teamwork came during the shuttle simulation. Working as a team of pilots and ground control scientists, the boys followed real mission protocols to launch, dock with the International Space Station, and safely land a shuttle. The level of concentration, communication, and teamwork on display was exceptional and a real credit to them.
Evenings at the Space centre were also just as enriching. Whether relaxing during a film night, or stepping out under a clear sky for stargazing, the boys embraced every moment. Walking along a glow-in-the-dark pathway, they were able to spot constellations, as well as Mars and Venus as we were fortunate enough to have a clear sky, bringing their learning full circle beneath the night sky itself.
Beyond the space centre, we visited the extraordinary Caves of Han, an impressive natural landmark and the biggest limestone caves in Belgium. Here, they explored vast limestone chambers filled with over 2,000 calcium carbonate formations, ranging in colour from white to green and even glittering crystal structures. The caves revealed layers of Earth’s history, including fossils of ancient marine life and clear geological layers; remarkable evidence of how dramatically our planet has changed over millions of years. The boys were particularly
fascinated by traces of human activity dating back 10,000 years and were fortunate to witness bats emerging early from hibernation. A stunning artistic projection deep within the cave brought its history to life in a truly unique way.
The final day included a visit to the Natural History Museum in Brussels, which proved to be another highlight. The museum houses one of Europe’s most significant collections of natural specimens, including an extraordinary display of Iguanodon skeletons which is the largest herd of dinosaur fossils ever discovered, unearthed in Belgium in the 19th century. The boys also explored exhibits on flight, comparing the mechanics of animal and human aviation, traced the story of human evolution, and examined an extensive collection of mammals from around the world. It was an incredible museum which was both informative and engaging. Throughout the trip, the boys conducted themselves impeccably. They were engaged, inquisitive, and consistently demonstrated resilience, leadership, and a genuine passion for learning. They embraced every opportunity, supported one another, and represented the school with pride.
It was, without question, a memorable and inspiring experience, one that not only deepened their scientific understanding but also broadened their horizons. We are incredibly proud of all the boys and look forward to seeing how this experience continues to inspire their learning in the years ahead.
And for the Y7 boys at Arnold House it really was: One small step into the Euro Space Centre, one giant leap for the scientists of tomorrow!
Mrs Miller Head of Science
This term has been a wonderfully creative one across the Art Department, and we are excited to celebrate the boys’ talent with a spotlight on the outstanding work from Year 6 and Year 7.
Year 6 have enjoyed a project on colour fields, benefitting from a wonderful workshop with artist Nicole Rose. They emulated her technique to turn painted landscapes into softened digital artworks.
Year 7 have been studying the still life of Cezanne, using the techniques of Old Masters to paint fruit observationally. Soft blending and specular highlights helped in creating these expressive pears.
Mrs Austen-Smith and Miss Samuels Art Teachers
Opposite page left to right:
This page left to right:
BOOK WEEK
This year, Arnold House spread the joy of reading across several weeks, with a magical World Book Day on 5th March — featuring hot dogs, golden tickets, dalmatians, Greek gods and an assortment of superheroes — followed by Arnold House Book Week from 16th–20th March. Extremely fitting for 2026, which is also a National Year of Reading.
The theme of Book Week this year was ‘This is My Place to Read’, drawing inspiration from Wellness Week. The first order of business was to transform Arnold House into an even more reading-friendly environment than usual. Book recommendation posters from teachers and staff began appearing all over the school, and a door decoration competition — based on a class book or series — turned classroom doors into fantastic portals, incorporating photographs, collage and entirely original comic strips. The creativity on display was truly extraordinary.
The Year 8 charity representatives did a fantastic job organising the charity book drive, with Arnold House donating around 550 books to the Children’s Book Project. A huge thank you to all Arnold House families for their generosity — these books will make a real difference to children with limited access to reading material. Stories are one of the most valuable things we can share with one another.
Students had been waiting months to meet Tom Palmer, a hugely popular children’s author who delivered assemblies across the whole school. His books on sport and history are already firm favourites in the library, and he is sure to have gained many more fans after this visit. He spoke honestly and movingly about his own experiences of reading and writing, stirred up some healthy football team rivalries, and shared remarkable true stories from the Second World War.
The Headmaster read to students in Years 2 and 3 during special story-time slots in his study, and the whole school enjoyed a five-minute period of silent reading at the start of lessons. The library suggestion boxes have been filled with students’ ideas for making the school library an even better place to read. Another busy and brilliant Book Week at Arnold House!
Roisin Dunnett Librarian
YEAR 8 COMEDY NIGHT
Wow, what a night! The boys in Year 8 treated us to a truly spectacular evening of comedy, brightening up even the wettest winter evening. Every single boy wrote and performed a comedy set full of punchy, hysterical jokes and characters. From overbearing dads to the taste of Italy, the boys excelled themselves.
There were sketches, rants, one liners, observational comedy, and even a little bit of staff participation! The boys would not have looked out of place in a West End comedy club. Genuine laughter filled the room, a true success!
Jo Rendell Head of Drama
WELLBEING WEEK
2026: “THIS IS MY PLACE”
‘Arnold House marked Children’s Mental Health Week with a vibrant and purposeful Wellbeing Week, centred on this year’s theme: “This Is My Place.” The focus was clear; helping every boy feel a strong sense of belonging within the school community.
Wellbeing is firmly embedded in life at Arnold House, from PreReception through to Year 8, and this commitment was recognised early on in the term with the Gold Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools Award. The week provided an opportunity to bring this ethos to life through a wide-ranging programme of activities.
Across the school, boys engaged in experiences designed to promote reflection, connection, and emotional awareness. Pre-Reception pupils contributed to a whole-school artwork, transforming handprints into colourful expressions of identity, before taking part in calming mindfulness sessions. Years 2–4 explored practical techniques for managing emotions through breathing and movement workshops, while Years 5 and 6 took learning outdoors with nature walks and a litter-picking initiative; combining environmental responsibility with the wellbeing benefits of fresh air and exercise.
The wider programme included boyled House assemblies, collaborative art projects, online safety discussions, and story sessions for younger pupils. Opportunities for peer support were available through the Zen Den, while mindfulness workshops and a lively breaktime dance event encouraged both reflection and joy. Older pupils also engaged with themes of identity and inclusion through a dedicated guest speaker session.
Wellbeing Week highlighted the importance of belonging in supporting confidence, engagement, and positive relationships. Through consistent messaging at school and in partnership with families, Arnold House continues to prioritise an environment where every boy feels known, supported, and valued.
The message at the heart of the week was simple but powerful: every boy should feel able to say, with confidence, “This is my place.”.
Miss Hall Director of Wellbeing
YEAR 8 TRIP TO BELFAST
On Wednesday the 18th of March, the Year 8s went up to Belfast for their annual hockey and rugby tour- a tour that seems to be the highlight of boys’ time at Arnold House, and it certainly didn’t disappoint this year. We met at school, before taking the Heathrow Express up to Terminal 5 and then catching our very short plane to Belfast. After a brisk walk and train ride we arrived at our hotel- The Hilton Belfast. After settling down for a bit, we took our first walk to dinner, taking the scenic route, passing through the historic Titanic Quarter and also seeing the SS Nomadic- the “little sister” to the Titanic, and a former tender to it. After a hearty pizza meal, with a surprise appearance from old teacher Mrs Cox, we returned to our hotel to get a good nights’ sleep for our game the next day.
Thursday was filled with anticipation and excitement for what was to come. We started off the day strong, with a hearty breakfast which we definitely took advantage of. We are delighted to announce that the Hockey 1st Team, led by Captain , secured a resounding victory in our first game against the Northern Irish, and the Rugby Team, led by Captain , also started the trip on a high note, emerging victorious in their debut on Northern Irish soil. After lunch, which we bought ourselves after exploring the area, we went on a fascinating visit to the Titanic Museum, giving the boys insight and a deeper understanding into the building, the voyage, the sinking, the recovery, and the significance of the Titanic. After this, we returned to the hotel to relax and recover from the match, before going to Hollywood Bowl for our dinner and a bit of bowling. We then went to the cinema to see the film Project Hail Mary on its cinematic debut, before taking a night walk on the Titanic Quarter back to our hotel.
Friday began by devouring another hearty breakfast, followed by packing our bags and checking out of the
hotel. We then took our final trip to the mall for some adventure mini-golf at the Lost City, where afterwards we were free to get our lunch from anywhere inside the mall. We then took to the playing fields for our final game against the Northern Irish, where we are pleased to say the Hockey Team secured a confident win against Sullivan Upper School, however the Rugby Team unfortunately lost an incredibly close match, with both sides fighting until the end. We then drove to the George Best Belfast City Airport before taking a plane back to London. Overall, this trip was a huge success both on and off the sports fields, and it definitely will be one of our highlights of Year 8. Thank you very much to Mr Kerr, Mr Ingram, and Mr Harahap for giving up their time to ensure we had the best time possible, and huge thanks to Mr Wocial for organizing this trip seamlessly and giving us an experience we will never forget.
Head Boy
SPORTS ROUND-UP
This term has once again been a busy and successful one in the sporting life of the school. AH teams competed in fixtures and tournaments across a wide range of sports, including rugby, hockey, cross country, uni-hockey and swimming. Every boy from Year 3 upwards represented the school in at least one match — a tremendous achievement that reflects both commitment and enthusiasm across the school.
Alongside standalone festivals and tournaments, an impressive 106 rugby and hockey fixtures were played this term. In every sport, AH boys approached competition with energy, resilience and excellent sportsmanship. When not representing the school in fixtures, boys continued to develop their skills through training sessions and House tournaments.
Rugby
Under 13 Rugby (1st XIII)
The Under 13 team gelled superbly this season under the guidance of Mr Ingram, Mr Tunley, Mr Crawley and Miss Devaney. A particular highlight was the team’s tour to Belfast, where they secured an excellent victory over Regent’s House School before narrowly losing to Sullivan Upper School in a closely contested match.
The team also enjoyed strong performances in 7-a-side competitions, finishing 2nd out of 6 at the Durston House Tournament and 2nd place at the Wetherby School Event. Mr Ingram identified the team’s overall development as the season’s standout achievement, with a memorable victory over rivals The Hall, providing a particular highlight. Strong ball-carrying and determined defence proved decisive in that match.
Across the regular 13-a-side season, the team won 7 matches and lost just 1 — an outstanding record.
1st XIII Award Winners
• Most Improved —
• Player of the Season —
• Top Tackler —
• Coach’s Award —
• Special Award —
• Coach — AI
2nd XIII Award Winners
• Most Improved —
• Player of the Season —
• Top Tackler —
• Coach’s Award —
• Special Award —
• Coaches — TT & GD
Under 11 Rugby (Year 6)
Coached by Mr Matthews, Mr Crawley and Mr Ofield, the Under 11s enjoyed an excellent season, playing nine matches and once again relishing the opportunity to
Under 13 Rugby (2nd XIII)
The 2nd XIII also enjoyed a very successful season, winning 4 of their 6 full matches and finishing 2nd in both the Wetherby B Team Event and the AH Annual B Team 7s Tournament.
Under the guidance of Mr Tunley and Miss Devaney, the team developed into a confident and well-organised unit, combining defensive discipline with attacking flair.
Under 10 Rugby (Year 5)
With tackling introduced as part of the RFU progression pathway, the Under 10 boys benefited greatly from expert coaching by Mr Ingram and Mr Ofield. The team played seven matches, winning three, and several players also stepped up to represent the Year 6 team when required — always making valuable contributions.
Year 5 Award Winners
• Most Improved —
• Player of the Season —
• Top Tackler —
• Coach’s Award —
• Special Award —
• Coach — AI
Under 9 Rugby (Year 4)
Year 4 represents an important stage in the rugby journey, with tackling introduced for the first time. Mr Ingram and Mrs Rendell were delighted with the progress shown by all players throughout the season.
Year 4 Award Winners
• Most Improved —
• Player of the Season —
• Top Tackler —
• Coach’s Award —
• Special Award —
• Coaches — AI / JR
Under 8 Rugby (Year 3)
Year 3 boys play touch rugby under the leadership of Mr Wint. Despite limited fixture opportunities within their age group, they regularly competed against Year 4 teams and consistently demonstrated excellent determination, teamwork and enthusiasm.
Year 3 Award Winners
• Most Improved —
• Player of the Season —
• Coach’s Award —
• Top Tackler —
• Special Award —
• Coach — JW
Hockey
Spring term at AH is synonymous with hockey, and this season proved another successful one across all year groups.
Under 13 Hockey (Year 8)
The Under 13 A team enjoyed an outstanding campaign, winning 9 of their 10 matches against strong opposition including Hill House, Westminster Under School, St Anthony’s, The Hall, Durston House and Newton Prep.
Highlights included:
• Winning the AH Hockey Festival
• Two convincing tour victories in Belfast
• Strong performances at the season-ending AH Tournament
Under 12 Hockey (Year 7)
Under Mr Lutyens, the Year 7 A team showed impressive progress, winning 5 of their 7 fixtures, including matches against several Under 13 teams — a notable achievement.
Year 7 Award Winners
• Golden Stick Award —
• Coach’s Award —
• Player of the Season —
• Most Improved —
• Special Award —
• Coach — NL
Under 11 Hockey (Year 6)
The Under 11 teams, coached by Miss Hall and Mr Cox, enjoyed a terrific season marked by excellent teamwork, strong defending and impressive attacking play. The boys demonstrated clear tactical development and consistently excellent sportsmanship.
Year
6 Award Winners
• Golden Stick Award —
• Coach’s Award —
• Player of the Season —
• Most Improved —
• Special Award —
• Coach — NH
Under 10 Hockey (Year 5)
Coached by Mrs Miller, Mr Wocial and Mr Wint, the Year 5 boys made excellent progress in mastering core skills and adapting to the structure of competitive hockey. Their improvement across the season was clear to see.
Swimming
Swimming remained a popular option this term, with sessions held at Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre.
Years 3 & 4
Cross Country
Cross country continues to be a highlight of the Spring Term calendar. The House competition produced some excellent racing:
House Results
1st — Pitt (82 points)
2nd — Brunel (52 points)
3rd — Wellington (42 points)
4th — Nelson (34 points)
Individual Year Group Winners
• Year 4 —
• Year 5 —
Led by Rachel Ayrton and Julia Lloyd-Jones, the programme concluded with an exciting mini-gala featuring freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and dolphin kick races. Outstanding performances included victories from , , and
Relay races produced a thrilling finale, with helping Pitt secure a dramatic win.
House Results
Joint 1st — Pitt & Nelson (15 points)
2nd — Brunel (14 points)
3rd — Wellington (10 points)
Swimming Award Winners (Years 3 & 4)
• Most Improved —
• Swimmer of the Term —
• Backstroke —
• Front Crawl —
• Breaststroke —
• Coaches — RA / JL
Years 5 & 6
Boys continued their development under Mr Kerr, Mr Wocial and Mr Lutyens, supported by professional coach Juan from Barnet Copthall.
Swimming Award Winners (Years 5 & 6)
• Most Improved —
• Swimmer of the Term —
• Backstroke —
• Front Crawl —
• Breaststroke —
• Coaches — CK / NL / TW
Year 3 & 4 Multi-Sports
This term also saw the successful introduction of a multisports option, offering boys opportunities to develop skills in uni-hockey, cricket, handball and basketball. The programme proved extremely popular and highlighted excellent teamwork in small-sided games.
Year 3 Award Winners
• Coach’s Award —
• Uni-hockey Award —
• Multi-sports Award —
Year 4 Award Winners
• Coach’s Award —
• Uni-hockey Award —
• Multi-sports Award —
Sportspersons of the Week
Throughout the Spring Term, boys across the school were recognised each week for their commitment, effort, improvement and sporting attitude. The Sportsperson of the Week awards celebrate not only performance in fixtures but also teamwork, perseverance and enthusiasm shown in lessons and training.
Congratulations to the following pupils:
WEEK 2
Year 3 Rugby
Year 4 Rugby
Year 3 Multi-Sports
Year 4 Multi-Sports
Years 3 & 4 Swimming
Under 10 Hockey
Under 10 Rugby
Colts Hockey
Colts Rugby
Years 5 & 6 Swimming
Senior Hockey
Senior Rugby
WEEK 3
Year 3 Rugby
Year 4
Year 3
Year 4 Multi-Sports
Years 3 & 4 Swimming
Under 10 Hockey
Under 10 Rugby
Colts Hockey
Colts Rugby
Years 5 & 6 Swimming
Senior Hockey
Senior Rugby
WEEK 4
Year 3 Rugby
Year 4 Rugby
Year 3 Multi-Sports
Year 4 Multi-Sports
Years 3 & 4 Swimming
Under 10 Hockey
Under 10 Rugby
Colts Hockey
Colts Rugby
Years 5 & 6 Swimming
Senior Hockey
Senior Rugby
WEEK 5
Year 3 Rugby
Year 4 Rugby
Year 3 Multi-Sports
Year 4 Multi-Sports
Years 3 & 4 Swimming
Under 10 Hockey
Under 10 Rugby
Colts Hockey
Colts Rugby
Years 5 & 6 Swimming
Senior Hockey
Senior Rugby
WEEK 6
Year 3 Rugby
Year 4 Rugby
Year 3 Multi-Sports
Year 4 Multi-Sports
Years 3 & 4 Swimming
Under 10 Hockey
Under 10 Rugby
Colts Hockey
Colts Rugby
Years 5 & 6 Swimming
Senior Hockey
Senior Rugby
Cross Country Year 5
Cross Country Year 6
WEEK 7
Year 3 Rugby
Year 4 Rugby
Year 3 Multi-Sports
Year 4 Multi-Sports
Years 3 & 4 Swimming
Under 10 Hockey
Under 10 Rugby
Colts Hockey
Colts Rugby
Years 5 & 6 Swimming
Senior Hockey
Senior Rugby
WEEK 8
Year 3 Rugby
Year 4 Rugby
Year 3 Multi-Sports
Year 4 Multi-Sports
Years 3 & 4 Swimming
Under 10 Hockey
Under 10 Rugby
Colts Hockey
Colts Rugby
Years 5 & 6 Swimming
Senior Hockey
Senior Rugby
WEEK 9
Year 3 Rugby
Year 4 Rugby
Year 3 Multi-Sports
Year 4 Multi-Sports
Years 3 & 4 Swimming
Under 10 Hockey
Under 10 Rugby
Colts Hockey
Colts Rugby
WEEK 10
Year 3 Rugby (Sportsperson of the Week)
Year 4 Rugby
Year 3 Multi-Sports (Hockey Player of the Week)
Year 4 Multi-Sports (Hockey Player of the Week)
Years 3 & 4 Swimming
Under 10 Rugby
Colts Hockey
Colts Rugby
Chris Kerr Director of Sport