WINTER 2025 Assembly
IN THIS ISSUE
FROM THE HEADMASTER
PRE-PREP REPORT
TRIPS & WORKSHOPS
ART & DESIGN
DRAMA REVIEW
MUSIC REVIEW
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
SPORTS ROUND-UP
FROM THE HEADMASTER
As we come to the end of a busy and fulfilling Autumn Term, I have been struck by the theme that runs through every page of this newsletter: growth through exploration. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, on stage, or even in virtual worlds, our boys have spent the term stretching their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
From our youngest learners in Pre-Reception discovering sounds, patterns and the changing seasons, to our Year 1 boys journeying from outer space to the depths of winter hibernation, curiosity has been at the heart of their progress. As they move through the school, that same spirit of discovery grows with them—seen in the excitement of scientific workshops, the bold creativity of our artists and dramatists, and the confidence with which our older boys investigate culture, geography and language on both day and residential trips.
Our Years 7 and 8 pupils exemplified this beautifully. In Dorset and Burgundy, they embraced new challenges, new environments and new responsibilities—showing not only knowledge, but maturity, adaptability and teamwork. Meanwhile, in sport, music, art and drama, boys of all ages have pushed themselves to try something new, refine their skills, and celebrate the joy of shared achievement. Their enthusiasm, resilience and sense of adventure shine through on every page.
I am very proud of how each boy has grown this term—not solely in academic progress, but in character, curiosity and confidence. My thanks go to our dedicated staff, whose commitment to providing rich, varied and meaningful experiences makes this growth possible, and to our parents for their partnership and support.
I wish all our families a peaceful and joyful Christmas break. I hope you enjoy reading about the term’s many highlights, and I look forward to seeing the boys return refreshed and ready for the opportunities that await in 2026.
Giles Tollit Headmaster
As we approach the end of the Michaelmas Term, it is a pleasure to reflect on what has been another successful and rewarding term in Arnold House Pre-Prep. The boys have continued to thrive, embracing every opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity, and it has been a privilege to witness their progress.
We were delighted to welcome a new cohort of Pre-Reception boys into the Arnold House community. They have settled into school life with confidence, forming friendships, and engaging with their environment with curiosity and joy. Across all year groups, the boys have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and a love of learning—whether in the classroom, during outdoor play, or through enrichment activities.
This term, I have especially enjoyed working with Year 2, supporting their smooth transition into the Prep School and greeting them at the Loudoun Road gate every Tuesday and Thursday. I am delighted to share that they have settled beautifully and are thriving in their new environment. Watching their confidence grow has been truly rewarding. One of my highlights has been Prep Friday break time, where I’ve loved seeing the boys play energetic football, immerse themselves in imaginative games, and chat enthusiastically about their interests. These moments perfectly capture the spirit of our community.
Equally, it is a joy to welcome the Pre-Prep boys each morning and connect with them throughout the day— whether sharing a story in class, chatting over lunch, or admiring their agility and confidence on the climbing frame in the playground.
We were honoured to welcome Professor Pat Preedy back to Arnold House this term. Professor Preedy played a pivotal role in helping us establish the Pre-Prep and supported us during the Material Change Inspection in 2021, enabling us to welcome boys from age 3+. Her visit was a wonderful opportunity to share the progress we have made as a whole school. She was delighted to see how far we have come and praised the quality of our provision and the development of our boys. Her distinguished career and expertise in education and child development continue to inspire us as we strive for excellence.
As always, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff for their passion and commitment, and to our parents for their ongoing support and partnership. Together, we create an environment where every boy can flourish, and I look forward to all that the new year will bring.
Ms McKenzie Head of Pre-Prep
Pre-Reception
What a wonderful and enriching autumn term it has been in Pre-Reception! The boys have settled beautifully into school life, showing confidence, curiosity, and joy in their learning. From the very first days, they embraced their new routines, made friends, and began taking real pride in their growing independence.
In Literacy, we have been exploring Phase 1 Phonics through listening games, rhymes, and activities that tune the children into sounds all around them. We progressed to alliteration, helping the boys play with words and develop early sound awareness through games, songs, and puppet activities.
In Mathematics, the children began by exploring numbers that are meaningful to them before moving on to patterns, shapes, scales, and number formation. They used a variety of hands-on materials, from natural resources and number stones to sand trays and balance scales, to make learning tangible and fun.
Our creative and topic work has been wonderfully varied. We explored the changing seasons through art using natural materials, celebrated festivals such as Diwali and Harvest, and learned about Remembrance Day, making a collaborative poppy wreath, and observing a minute’s silence together. The children also enjoyed a special focus on Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night, creating fireworksinspired artwork and learning about this British tradition.
A highlight of the term was our first school trip to Golders Hill Park, which was filled with excitement, discovery, and fresh air. The boys listened carefully to the sounds of nature and explored the beautiful surroundings. We were also treated to a variety of parent-led workshops, including a spectacular magic show. These experiences truly enriched the children’s understanding of the world. Our Show and Tell sessions have continued to be a weekly delight, encouraging the boys to speak
confidently in front of their friends while sharing artwork and ideas linked to our topics.
We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all parents for your ongoing support, from helping with Show and Tell preparations to volunteering for workshops, reading to the class, and ensuring the boys come to school ready to learn and explore. Your involvement makes such a difference.
As we look back on this busy and joyful term, we are so proud of how much the boys have grown, socially, emotionally, and academically. We look forward to continuing this wonderful learning journey together in the spring.
Mrs Taylor & Ms Geffriaud Pre-Reception
Reception
What a wonderful first term it has been for our Reception boys! They have settled beautifully into school life, embracing each new challenge with enthusiasm and curiosity. It has been a joy to see their confidence and independence grow as they learn, play, and make new friends.
In the classroom, the boys have been exploring the magical world of traditional tales. They have loved listening to familiar stories, drawing their favourite characters, and even writing character names as they begin their journey into early writing. The boys have also been learning about different types of writing- from creating lists and posters to writing letters, helping them understand how writing can be used in everyday life.
In Maths, the boys have been busy developing their number skills, recognising and ordering numbers, exploring addition and subtraction, and learning about shapes through hands-on, practical activities. Their enthusiasm for counting and problem-solving has been wonderful to see!
We’ve also had fantastic parental involvement this term, including a beautiful Diwali presentation that helped us learn about the festival of lights and celebrate diversity within our school community. The boys thoroughly enjoyed their trip to the Hampstead Heath Education Centre, where they explored the natural world and
discovered more about the changing seasons. Other highlights included our autumn-themed charity day, preparing for the Christmas show, and a fun-filled visit to Violet Hill Park.
This term, our Reception classes have been exploring their own lines of enquiry with curiosity and creativity! In RA, the children have been fascinated by transport –discovering ways to travel to different places, talking about the ways they get to school, and even having fun building their own vehicles. Meanwhile, RH has been captivated by construction, especially the challenge of building tall structures. They loved learning about famous tall buildings from around the world and imagining what it would be like to create their own skyscrapers.
It has truly been a busy and exciting start to the school year. We are so proud of how much our Reception boys have achieved already and look forward to an equally exciting spring term ahead!
Miss Hennessy & Miss Rafferty Reception
Year 1
What an exciting and action-packed term it has been in Year 1! The boys settled in beautifully and embraced the transition from Reception with confidence and enthusiasm.
We began the year with a big bang as we launched into our Space topic, using Look Up! as our focus text. The boys loved describing characters with vivid adjectives, writing diary entries, designing meteor shower flyers, and creating their own meteor fact files. Our next topic, Seasons, Animals and Hibernation, was a huge hit— especially with our animal-loving Year 1s! Inspired by Winter Sleep, the boys made predictions, wrote seasonal descriptions, created imaginative “Do Not Disturb” posters for hibernating animals, and continued to develop their diary-writing skills.
In Maths, we explored place value, one more and one less, and compared numbers using greater than, less than, and equal to symbols. We worked with the part-whole model, investigated 3D shapes and their properties, and later focused on fact families, number bonds, addition, and subtraction.
Our learning journey in Understanding the World took us across seven continents and five oceans, comparing the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and discovering what Earth looks like from space (and space from Earth!) We studied famous astronauts like Mae Jemison, traced space travel through history, and learned all about the Moon landing. The boys also celebrated the school’s birthday by exploring Arnold House past and present, making fascinating links between history and our own community. Science lessons were equally exciting—we investigated the solar system, light and dark, seasonal changes, and animal habitats, including the fascinating process of hibernation. A highlight was our trip to the Hyde Park Education Centre, where we observed seasonal changes, went on a bug hunt, and explored the natural surroundings. Later in the term, we examined how homes adapt to different climates, studied animal migration, and learned about Bonfire Night, Remembrance Day, and the history of the Winter Olympics—perfectly tying into our seasonal theme.
The boys shone during our Harvest performances, speaking and singing with growing confidence. Another memorable moment was our trip to the Lyric Theatre to see Jack and the Beanstalk, which they absolutely loved! As the festive season approached, we enjoyed making decorations, writing Christmas stories, and preparing for our wonderful Nativity performance—a true showstopper enjoyed by all.
Our enquiry focus this term was inspired by the boys’ keen interest in space. They created their own spacemen, researched fascinating facts on iPads, and designed colourful solar system artwork using a variety of materials. Another exciting theme was LEGO! The boys explored its history, built incredible displays, designed their own LEGO figures, and imagined the special powers their characters might have—a fantastic opportunity for creativity and storytelling.
Fridays have been a real treat for Year 1. Each week, the boys visit Loudon Road for IT lessons, PE sessions, and Headmaster’s Assembly—giving them a glimpse of what life will be like in Year 2.
What an amazing start to the school year—full of learning, laughter, and creativity. Well done, Year 1!
Miss Hennessy & Ms Legan
Year 1
Forest School
This term, Forest School has been a hub of excitement and discovery for Pre-Reception, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. The boys have thrived outdoors, building curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while enjoying the freedom of learning in nature.
Our youngest learners explored boundaries and practised the Forest School call, “1, 2, 3, where are you?” They discovered conkers, explored bug hotels, and enjoyed imaginative play with tyres and open spaces. Creative activities included painting sticks and pinecones, giving “haircuts” to leaves, and making birthday crowns for the school’s 120th celebration. They also celebrated Diwali by creating colourful lanterns and learning a festival song and delighted in potion-making with mud and natural materials to encourage sensory exploration and imaginative play.
Reception focused on autumn and seasonal changes, observing differences in temperature and daylight, and using descriptive vocabulary to describe natural objects. They collected conkers to develop maths skills such as counting, comparing, and ordering by size, learned about the life cycle of trees and illustrated their findings, and created celebration crowns, leaf confetti, and natural treasure bracelets. Autumn walks through Canons Park provided opportunities to observe seasonal changes and
collect natural treasures, while potion-making encouraged problem-solving and creativity.
Year 1 deepened scientific understanding and teamwork through engaging themes. They explored the human body by creating life-sized outlines with natural materials, investigated space by building planets and rockets and acting out planetary orbits, and played Dodge the Meteors to develop coordination and resilience. Autumn walks and weather investigations helped them record rainfall, cloud types, and temperatures, building observation and data-handling skills. They also learned about living things and their habitats, designed shelters, and considered predator protection, fostering curiosity, and environmental awareness.
Across all year groups, Forest School connects classroom learning with real-world experiences. Outdoor play fosters confidence, social skills, creativity, and a lasting respect for nature—making education meaningful, memorable, and fun.
Mrs Wootten Forest School
Modern Foreign Languages
In Pre-Reception, Reception, and Year 1, children are introduced to the Greek language through engaging, everyday topics such as greetings, simple social questions (“How are you?”, “What’s your name?”), yes and no, numbers, counting, singing in Greek, and learning the names of different foods. Each year group builds on these foundations with a tailored focus: Pre-Reception explores Greek through animals and playful vocabulary activities; Reception begins to discover Greek mythology through age-appropriate stories and characters; and Year 1 deepens this mythological knowledge while also being introduced to the letters and sounds of the Greek alphabe..
Mr Ragias Greek
PE
It has been fantastic welcoming all the new Pre-Reception boys to PE and welcoming back all the Reception boys after summer. In the Autumn term, our PE lessons typically focus on developing fundamental movement skills through a variety of sports and fun games. The main sport we have focused on has been football, while the fundamental movements covered often include jumping, balancing, hopping, and skipping. In football, we have been working on improving their dribbling, passing, shooting and use of space. We have also started to play matches which help the boys to work as a team and develop communication and social skills. Playing football is an excellent way to build physical fitness, coordination, and motor skills. The fundamental movements we have worked on lay the foundation for more complex skills and sports as they grow older. These movements are incorporated into fun games as well as more structured games that teach specific skills. Teamwork and sportsmanship also play a big part in all we do, whether that be in a football match or during any game that we are playing. The boys have shown the ability to adapt to working in different spaces, including taking part in lessons in the hall this term. They have all been brilliant and an absolute pleasure to teach. I look forward to introducing rugby and other new sports to them next term!
Mr Lutyens PE
Music
In Music, Pre-Prep has been focusing on performances this term with Year 1 performing both Harvest and Nativities. Reception has been exploring physical representations of different music sections and learning songs related to Autumn and performance for their Christmas Celebrations. Pre-Reception has been learning about musical cues, the differences between loud and soft, and working on Harvest and Christmas Performances.
Mrs
Tomsett-Rowe
Director of Music
TRIPS & WORKSHOPS
Y2 Victorian Workshop
Year 2 took part in an exciting workshop when they travelled back in time to the Victorian period and found themselves in the house of Lord Arnold. They were interviewed for the post of butler and had to scrub floors with carbolic soap, clean a Persian rug, use a cast iron and even walk backwards carrying a tray! They also played with a variety of Victorian toys including a cup and ball and optical illusion cards.
Miss Glennon
Y2 Electricity Workshop
Year 2 enjoyed an electricity workshop in Professor Imogen’s laboratory and, through perseverance and creativity, managed to fix her science machine! They turned themselves into electric appliances and even made a human electric circuit! They learned all about conductors and insulators and how electricity powers the world around us!
Miss Glennon
Y3 Science Workshop
Year 3 embarked on a thrilling Science Workshop packed with jaw-dropping experiments and hands-on fun! They marvelled at spectacular demonstrations featuring bubbling concoctions, fiery reactions, Coca-Cola explosions, carbon dioxide tricks, cloud cannons, and foamy eruptions. Then the real adventure began: in the first workshop, students explored the magic of universal indicators with purple cabbage juice and whipped up their very own slime to take home (sorry, parents!). In
the second, they unleashed mini volcanic eruptions using citric acid and bicarbonate of soda before becoming bath bomb artisans, crafting fizzing creations in their favourite scents and colours.
Mrs Bennett
Y5 Oliver!
Year 5 headed to the theatre to watch Oliver! - brilliant highlight of their learning. The boys represented the school wonderfully, and several members of the public complimented their polite behaviour and thoughtful theatre etiquette.
The production linked directly to our English work, particularly our class reader Street Child by Berlie Doherty, which explores life in Victorian London. Seeing similar themes expressed through live performance helped the boys deepen their understanding of the novel’s setting and characters, while also inspiring new ideas for their own writing.
The trip also allowed the boys to experience theatre and musical performance first-hand, giving them a richer appreciation of how stories can be told through acting, staging, and song.
It was an enriching experience that brought the curriculum to life and left the boys buzzing with enthusiasm.
Miss Hall
Y5 Kew Gardens
At the start of the year, the boys in Year 5 enjoyed a trip to Kew Gardens. Their project for this term has been ‘Flora and Fauna’ and Kew’s diverse botanical collection certainly immersed them in this. The treetop walkway was a particular highlight, alongside the glasshouses that provided ample inspiration for thoughtful, observational sketches. The boys worked confidently in nature, and their drawings from life were a great first step into what has been a very fruitful project.
Mrs Austen-Smith & Miss Samuels
Finding Calm: Y5&6 Explore Mindful Breathing
Years 5&6 took part in mindfulness workshops centred on breathing for self-regulation, giving the boys simple yet powerful tools to manage their emotions. The sessions encouraged them to recognise when they feel overwhelmed and use mindful breathing to regain calm and focus.
These techniques offer lifelong benefits, helping us build resilience, strengthen concentration and respond more thoughtfully to challenges. By learning how to steady their minds and bodies, boys are better equipped to navigate stress - both in school and beyond.
The workshop’s impact is already clear: the boys feel more confident handling challenging moments.
Miss Hall
Y6 Sandbox VR Experience Trip
The Year 6 boys celebrated the end of their pre-tests with an unforgettable trip to Sandbox VR, a well-deserved reward for all their hard work. The day began with a special breakfast to mark the occasion, giving everyone a chance to chat, laugh, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Once at Sandbox VR, the boys were transported into thrilling virtual worlds, facing challenges, solving puzzles, and navigating fast-paced missions together. Their teachers joined in, but it was the boys’ energy and teamwork that took centre stage, driving the excitement of every game. From epic battles to mysterious realms, the day was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of surprises. It was the perfect way to celebrate their achievements, leaving everyone exhilarated and full of stories about the incredible adventures they had experienced.
Miss Hall
Y7 Tate
Year 7 got to see the work of the term’s artist up close and personal earlier this year. The Tate Modern showed Korean Artist, Do Ho Suh’s ‘Walk the House’ installation of large-scale sculptures depicting familiar places made from colourful mesh and wire. The boys revelled in walking throughout the immersive exhibition, sketching live from the works, to really gain insight into Do Ho Suh’s practice. They have made some impressive, polished drawings since the show; witnessing the artist’s work in real life is always hugely beneficial.
Mrs Austen-Smith & Miss Samuels
Y7 Dorset
The weather did not augur well as Year 7 set off in the minibuses down to Dorset…torrential rain meant dreadful visibility on the motorway (huge thanks to Mr Kerr and Mr Harahap for driving!). I confess to feeling a strong sense of trepidation as we topped hill after hill and the clouds refused to lighten even a little. The Geography gods were clearly smiling on us, however, for as we pulled into Swanage the rain magically dried up and the sun even managed to put in a brief appearance, giving us the opportunity to conduct our fieldwork observations and mostly stay dry! A guest appearance by Mr Stones meant that we had a very productive afternoon on the coast before heading back to the blessedly warm and welcoming Bryanston.
Day 2 was guided by an instructor from Dorset Field Studies Centre who interacted brilliantly with the boys and introduced them to the fascinating geology of the Jurassic Coast as well as key practical methods and equipment. The boys worked productively in groups to conduct sediment analyses and measure beach profiles at Durdle Door before enjoying a well-deserved ice cream at Lulworth Cove. Throughout, they were excellent company, full of enthusiasm and interest in their surroundings and learning. Plenty of fresh air followed by a hearty meal and an evening of sporting activities meant that everyone was more than ready for their bed. My heartfelt thanks go to Mr Kerr, Mr Harahap and Mr Brotherton for being the best support team a new Head of Geography could wish for!
Miss Jones
Y8 Burgundy
This year, Arnold House’s Year 8 boys began the autumn term with their traditional week-long French immersion trip to the village of Méluzien in Burgundy. They returned full of energy, stories, and noticeably improved language skills.
The week combined intensive French tuition with adventurous and cultural activities such as zip-wiring, kayaking, cooking, and interviewing local residents. Even in a short time, the boys made rapid progress and gained confidence speaking French.
Although the trip was great fun, it was also demanding. The boys lived closely together, kept their dorms tidy, and adapted to an environment where French was spoken
almost constantly. They even went to the local market to buy their own lunch on a budget and entirely in French.
This year’s group left a positive impression on everyone they met, from shopkeepers to Eurostar staff. Teachers were especially proud of their excellent behaviour, their hard work in class, and the support they offered one another during the more challenging activities.
Planning has already begun for next year’s trip, and we hope the current Year 7 cohort will enjoy and benefit from this wonderful experience just as much as their predecessors have over the last 15 years.
Mr Pyner
AH WINTER ART GALLERY
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 5 and Year 8.
Following their trip to Kew Gardens, Year 5 have been impressing with expressive oil pastel drawings. Their lively and vibrant works really encapsulate ‘flora’, while showcasing the observational skills being built along the way.
Year 8 masterfully made technical drawings for their ‘fragmented architecture’ project this term. The boys employed careful hatching techniques, and held a focus on directional mark-making to create such polished and professional results.
Mrs Austen-Smith & Miss Samuels
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DRAMA REVIEW
Year 5: Murder at Magpie Manor
Year 5 kicked off the Arnold House theatre season transporting us back to the roaring 1920’s. With a swing band, family secrets and a stolen silver pitcher with a magpie picture. The boys led us on a thrilling journey of mystery and betrayal, from famous guests to evil birds the play captivated the audience. Through twists and turns, music, singing and even a spot of the Charleston our famous detective solved the crime and saved the family from having to sell their beloved manor.
Year 4: Christmas is Forever
Year 4 brought the Christmas spirit to Arnold House, saving Christmas from the evil Scaremonger. With a band of elves and a crack team of secret agents the boys lead us through a thrilling action packed journey to rescue Father Christmas. From terrible substitute Santas to gadget spy labs, the boys truly captured the magic of Christmas. The boys navigated complicated array of props like true professionals including full sized bicycles and a cumbersome step ladder. The audience even joined in with a rousing rendition of We wish you a merry Christmas to end the show.
Mrs Rendell Head of Drama
MUSIC REVIEW
The autumn term is always busy in the music department with harvest festivals, Year 4 & 5 musicals, Breakfast Concerts, the Winter Concert at ASL, Christmas Performances, and our Carol service.
This term we had two new peripatetic teachers join our team Mr Cotterill teaching drums and Mr Bruton teaching the saxophone and clarinet. Individual music lessons on guitar, violin, ‘cello, piano, and recorder also started in Marlborough Place with many boys taking the opportunity to learn an instrument.
Breakfast concerts throughout the term showcased the talented musicians of years 3,4,5,6, and 7 and next term we are looking forward to our House Breakfast Concerts as part of the Arnold House Proms.
Our Winter Ensembles concert at the American School featured over 160 boys and 15 ensembles playing a wide variety of music. From boom whackers to bassoons the concert had it all!
The term finished with a beautiful carol service featuring not only the Chapel choir but the lower school choir and year two as well.
We are looking forward to the Arnold House Proms Series next term with our first concert on the 15th of January in the Church of the Annunciation, Marble Arch.
Mrs Tomsett-Rowe Director of Music
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
The school was alive with colour, music and Christmas cheer on Friday 5th December as boys and staff celebrated the long-awaited Christmas Wonderland event. Festive jumpers brightened every classroom and corridor, while the catering team served a delicious Christmas lunch that set the tone for an exciting afternoon.
At the Pre-Prep, the clear highlight was a magical visit from Santa himself. Our youngest boys were captivated as he read them a festive story before giving them each a small gift to take home. The rest of the afternoon was packed with themed activities at Marlborough Place, including Christmas arts and crafts, staff-led games and a sparkling Christmas disco that kept everyone moving.
Meanwhile, over at the Prep, the hall was transformed into a vibrant fairground of Christmas games created and run by Year 8. The boys had spent weeks planning their stalls—thinking carefully about branding, resources and logistics—and their creativity shone through. Visitors enjoyed a wonderful selection of games including Pop the Penguin, Penguin Shuffle, Jungle Bell Bounce, Reindeer Hoopla, Splat the Turkey, Guess the Song and the cleverly titled Sleigh of Hand.
Years 2–6 explored the activities during dedicated time slots, accompanied by their teachers and guided by Year 7 boys, who took their leadership roles seriously and enthusiastically. The experience also gave Year 7 a behind-the-scenes look at what awaits them when it is their turn to design the games next year.
The day was filled with laughter, teamwork and festive spirit—an unforgettable start to the Christmas season for the whole school community.
Mrs Jones-Miller Head of External Relations
SPORTS ROUND-UP
With football once again the main sport of the autumn term, AH boys enjoyed a hugely active and competitive season. Every boy from Year 3 upwards represented the school, contributing to an astonishing 245 fixtures. Results varied across the term, but what never wavered were the boys’ passion, commitment and sportsmanship
Senior Football (Years 7 & 8)
1st XI
Boys in Years 7 & 8 train together twice a week, and the 1st XI enjoyed a busy and challenging programme. The team competed in both major ISFA national competitions. After a tough draw in the ISFA Cup against Latymer Upper, the boys responded superbly with two excellent victories in the ISFA Shield, including an impressive win over Eaton House The Manor, and now prepare for their Round 3 match versus Dunottar.
In the new Prep School Alliance League, involving eight of London’s strongest prep schools, AH recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. Highlights included memorable victories away at Aldenham and against long-standing rivals The Hall, as well as a fantastic seven-match unbeaten run. We also welcomed Mr Harahap to the coaching team, whose tactical insight made a real impact.
A special piece of news delighted us all: last year’s 1st XI captain, Socrates Soquar, has recently signed for Manchester United—a remarkable achievement and inspiration to our current footballers.
2nd, 3rd & 4th XI
2nd XI (Mr Lutyens)
The Second XI enjoyed a very positive season, showing improvement across the pitch. Excellent wins came against Sussex House, Westminster and Central Foundation, and a highlight was reversing an early defeat against St Anthony’s with a well-deserved victory later in the term. The group worked hard, played for each other, and should be proud of their progress.
3rd XI (Mr Ingram)
A strong season included a fine 3–0 win over Wetherby, a gritty 2–1 victory at Vincent Square against WUS, and a competitive performance versus City of London. Many boys represented the side, demonstrating excellent squad depth. Special mention goes to Viraj, who earned
promotion to the 2nd XI after a series of outstanding performances.
4th/5th XI (Mr Wocial)
The boys made steady progress throughout the term, improving in teamwork, cohesion and tactical understanding.
Colts Football (Years 5
& 6)
Colts A (Mr Wocial)
Taking over from Mr Cox, Mr Wocial led the Colts A with great energy and expertise. The squad had a highly successful season, including a memorable tour to St George’s Park, where they played on the Beckham Pitch and won the Bowl Competition, finishing 7th of 19 teams. A determined, hardworking group who represented AH with pride.
Colts B (Mr Ingram)
A brilliant season with only one loss. Standout victories included a thrilling 7–6 win v St Anthony’s and a 3–2 win v Highgate. Their passing football was a joy to watch.
Colts C (Mr Matthews)
A term of excellent improvement, strong teamwork and great spirit. The boys embraced different positions and remained supportive throughout.
Under 10 Football (Year 5)
U10 A (Mr Lutyens)
A superb season with strong progress and several standout individual moments:
• scoring four hat-tricks against four schools
• long-range curler into the top corner
The 1st XI Team
The Under 11 Team at St George’s Park
U10 B (Mr Wint)
Excellent teamwork was on display all term. A highlight was overturning a two-goal deficit against Highgate to win decisively, with goals from almost every player.
U10 C (Mr Cox)
A talented group who impressed their coach. Special matches included competitive games against Durston House and Highgate.
U10 D (Mr Ofield)
A strong, united team who demonstrated great heart and energy. They were close to an unbeaten season, falling only in a dramatic 5–4 classic v Highgate, but recorded dominant wins over The Hall and St Anthony’s.
Years 3 & 4 Football
Under 9s (Year 4) Mr Wint
This year group is bursting with talent and enthusiasm. They enjoyed several high-scoring wins, exceptional work ethic, and excellent rotation of positions to deepen understanding. The A-team in particular showed maturity beyond their years.
Year
3 Football (Mr Wocial and team)
Both classes embraced their fixtures with enthusiasm, producing attractive passing football. A highlight was the 3A comeback win over St Anthony’s Year 4A, sealed with a superb last-minute top-corner strike from
Year 2 Football
Year 2 boys trained weekly at Loudoun Road and showed encouraging promise and skill. The future of AH football remains bright.
Tournaments, Tours & Special Events
AH boys relished a wide range of tournament opportunities.
• Colts A brought home silverware from St George’s Park (Bowl Winners).
• 1st XI reached the Plate semi-finals at the IAPS 7s.
• Colts performed brilliantly at the ISFA London 7s, narrowly missing the national finals.
• U10s finished 2nd in The Hall Tournament.
• U9s won the entire event.
• Both age groups also enjoyed success at the AH Football Festival at Canons Park.
The U10 A Team at Dulwich College
TEAM OF THE TERM
AH Team of the Term (not an easy team for the Games team to pick - sorry if you just missed out this time!
contributions from Baxter K, Seb G, Ben N, Jeremy D and Kenzo K.
Swimming (Years 5–6)
Mrs Miller led another strong term of swimming, with impressive progress in stroke technique, fitness, stamina and water safety. Two successful House galas showcased the boys’ teamwork and dedication.
Swimming (Years 3–4)
Mrs Ayrton, Mrs Lloyd Jones and coach Juan praised the boys’ commitment and rapid improvement, reflected in excellent gala performances.
AH Swimming Galas
The pre-half-term House Gala saw outstanding effort across Years 4–6, with many PBs and exciting races in all four strokes.
Results:
1st Wellington – 47
2nd Nelson – 41
3rd Brunel – 30
4th Pitt – 19
Star performers included (three event wins), and with impressive swims also from , and
U13, U11 & U8 Swimming Galas
This End of Term Swimming Gala showcased impressive technique, determination and competitive spirit from boys in Years 3–8. Boys were banded into 2 levels for their races. A-race swimmers scored 1–4 points and B-race swimmers scored 5–8 points—the overall winner in each age group was decided by the lowest total score across crawl, backstroke and breaststroke races
U13 Swimming Gala
The U13 swimmers produced a high-quality afternoon of racing.
dominated the A-races with three outstanding wins, securing the overall U13 title. and followed with consistently strong performances, while led the way in the B category with three first place finishes.
U13 Team — Hall Tournament Winners
U13 Podium
1st – (3 points)
2nd – (6 points)
3rd – (9 points)
U11 Swimming Gala
The U11 competition featured a strong A-race of five swimmers and a determined B-race of three. swept all three A-races to finish as clear overall champion. and completed the podium, with producing the top B-race performance.
U11 Podium
1st – (3 points)
2nd – (7 points)
3rd – (8 points)
U8 Swimming Gala
The youngest competitors swam with tremendous enthusiasm, producing a closely fought set of races. claimed the overall U8 title with two race wins and a second place. followed just one point behind, while completed the podium. impressed as the top B-race swimmer.
U8 Podium
1st – (4 points)
2nd – (5 points)
3rd – (9 points)
Fun Relay Finale
To close the gala programme, the boys enjoyed a lighthearted but thrilling relay.
Our star swimmer took on an extraordinary challenge: swimming 200m (8 lengths) in individual medley relay style solo against two teams of eight boys, each team member swimming just 25 metres of freestyle. Incredibly, still managed to beat both teams, finishing ahead despite swimming eight times the distance.
A remarkable achievement; well done,
Chris Kerr Director of Sport, Senior Master