Newsletters
Read below a sample of our 2026 September Term school newsletters:
Spirit of the Banda – Week 01
It has been fantastic to welcome new pupils, staff and parents into the school this week as well, of course, as welcoming back everyone else after the long holiday. Everyone has got into the rhythm of everyday school life amazingly quickly and it has been heartening to see the kindness shown towards the new members of our community.
Spirit of the Banda – Week 02
I mentioned in my start of term letter that a key target this year is ‘Pride in Presentation’, be it with pupils’ work, building on last year’s ‘Light on Literacy’, or more generally with personal appearance and respect for the school environment. This focus is on one of the more traditional aspects of a child’s education but still remains extremely important and one that we will continue to nurture.
At the same time, we are placing an increasing emphasis on our pupils’ creative and critical thinking skills and, this week, Year 6 had the opportunity to take part in a series of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) challenges, with the winning projects presenting their ideas via video-link to Amsterdam. We are increasing opportunities for pupils to become more adaptive thinkers, threading them through the curriculum and hosting events. Indeed, following the success of last year’s inaugural IAPS STEAM Day, we look forward to hosting this again later in the term.
Spirit of the Banda – Week 03
With the school year now well under way, it is great to be able to announce some more positions of responsibility amongst our Year 8s. Many congratulations to the following on being appointed House Captains: Tally (Duma), Mwihaki (Simba), Aayush (Swara) and Amber (Twiga), as well as to Elsy, Isla, Jenny and Sam, who have been made prefects.
The cricket season is also very much up and running – congratulations to Isla and Jake on being made captain of the girls’ and boys’ first teams respectively. Well done as well to Mariella on her appointment as captain of equestrianism.
Spirit of the Banda – Week 04
Our Year 4 and Year 5 groups have both enjoyed time away from school this week. The former paid a visit to the Railway Museum; whilst the latter had an overnight team-building trip to Swara Plains. Such outings not only help to bring the curriculum to life, but also cultivate independence and resilience. Moreover, they help to foster children’s curiosity and give them opportunities to question the world around them. In short, they are an integral part of what we offer as part of the wider curriculum.
Spirit of the Banda – Week 05
The busy and varied nature of school life was nowhere more apparent than in this morning’s assembly. From a plethora of rosettes awarded from the Hillcrest Equestrian Competition to multiple DT certificates, to certificates for effort and good citizenship; from hearing of exploits on the cricket pitch – congratulations to Jenny and Paddy on their 50s – to our team victory in the Stowe Putter Golf Tournament, where Keith also came away as the overall individual winner;
On top of all that, we were treated to a superb recital on the flute by Adriana and a well-led presentation by 5BS on today’s International Day of Non-Violence. Here was a snapshot of prep school life and just some of the many opportunities open to Banda pupils.
Spirit of the Banda – Week 06
Spirit of the Banda – Week 08
It’s been a much shorter week at school due to Mushujaa Day on Tuesday but this ‘Heroes Day’ – and the Pegasus children’s heroes themed day today, with some fabulous costumes on display from firefighters to Wangari Maathai – gives me pause to reflect on those heroes around us every day. Indeed, several recent class assemblies have brilliantly looked at how each of us can show courage in our daily lives and appreciate those around us who are the unsung heroes of our community.
Spirit of the Banda – Week 09
As the cricket season begins to draw to a close, House Matches have taken centre stage during Games sessions this week. Whilst inter-school matches are invariably competitive, there is something very special about inter-house competition – the power of the coloured shirt always seems to add an extra edge to such encounters. Whilst school teams are selected on playing ability, there is something unique about the members of a house all pulling together, regardless of ability, to fight for their common cause. Bragging rights amongst the peers that you see every day are just that bit sweeter than against the opponents you only see once a term.
