After a refreshing two-week break, it’s been wonderful to have the boarders back in the house full of energy, laughter, and ideas for new activities. As the darker evenings have drawn in, we’ve made great use of JB Hall, where the children have enjoyed everything from badminton and dodgeball to table tennis and even some spontaneous dance sessions.
Early in the week, we held another of our popular movie nights, complete with popcorn and cosy blankets. We also saw the return of The Great Bryanston Bake Off Challenge, which this time featured a Rocky Road theme – and what a delicious success it was! The creativity (and mess) in the kitchen was a sight to behold, and the results didn’t last long once taste testing began.
Friday evening brought one of the highlights of the term — our Fireworks Night. Despite the rain, spirits remained high as we gathered around the bonfire, keeping warm and watching the night sky burst into colour. The flashes, whizzes, and bangs created a magical atmosphere, and we ended the evening perfectly with hot showers, pyjamas, and mugs of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows while we watched a film together.
The boarders have also been embracing our new Dojo app, which staff are using to recognise and reward positive actions and contributions around the house. Each reward links to Bryanston’s five key pillars — Challenge, Community, Compassion, Creativity, and Individuality — helping the children reflect on how their choices and actions contribute to life at school and within boarding. It’s been wonderful to see how motivated and proud they’ve been to earn points and celebrate one another’s successes.
We’ve also introduced a Boarders’ Chill session before supper each evening. This is a calm, 45-minute period designed to help everyone unwind after the school day, get organised, and prepare for the activities ahead. This mindful approach has really helped the boarders to stay focused, balanced, and ready to make the most of everything Bryanston Prep has to offer.
The weekend was another busy and creative one. On Saturday, Mr Floyd and Mrs Green ran an inspiring art session, where the boarders made some brilliant cardboard creations. Later, we headed up to the senior school for lunch and to support our talented dancers performing in the showcase — a proud moment for everyone involved.
Today, on Remembrance Sunday, the boarders have continued making their poppies in preparation for the Prep School’s Service of Remembrance on Tuesday. These handmade poppies will be available for sale to parents and pupils, with all proceeds supporting charitable causes linked to the occasion. The rest of the day was wonderfully relaxed, as pupils enjoyed the much-loved boarding brunch followed by a lazy afternoon of gaming, movies, and (of course) more activity. A few of the children challenged me (Mr Jones) to a series of badminton matches, and while the boarders came second this time, there were plenty of laughs and competitive spirit all round.
Some pupils were lucky enough to enjoy time off-site too, with birthday parties, family lunches, and trips out with guardians. We rounded off the week with another spectacular fireworks display at the senior school — the second of the week! And the boarders had great fun at the Charity Fair, playing games, browsing stalls, and picking up all sorts of goodies. It was a fantastic event, and we’re already planning how we can contribute with our own stall next year.
It’s been a joyful and busy first week back after the break. The boarders continue to make us proud with their enthusiasm and the way they look out for one another. We’re already looking forward to another exciting week ahead in the boarding house.
